JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Tyson Alualu never became the dominant player many hoped he'd be when the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him 10th overall in 2010, but he was far from a bust.
In fact, Alualu may be one of the most under-appreciated Jaguars players.
Alualu, who agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, had 17.5 sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 376 tackles (31 for loss) in seven seasons with the Jaguars. He had 9.5 sacks in his first three seasons and a career-high seven tackles for loss as a rookie. His stats aren't impressive and it's hard to remember any of the big plays he did make.
Some of the players drafted after Alualu in 2010 went on to become Pro Bowlers, including offensive tackle Anthony Davis (11th), safety Earl Thomas (14th), defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (15th) and receiver Dez Bryant (24th). Alualu never developed into that kind of player, which is what you'd expect from the 10th overall pick, and because of that some labeled him a bust. That's a bit unfair.
Alualu wasn't a star, but he was remarkably consistent. He missed only two games in his entire career with the Jaguars, and that's because he was inactive in Weeks 1 and 2 in 2016. Until then, he had played in 96 consecutive games, a streak that is the third-longest in franchise history. Alualu wasn't a flashy or a great player, but the coaching staff always knew what they were getting from him. He did not get out of position. He rarely made mistakes. He was solid against the run and was able to make a play here and there to get to the quarterback.
That may not sound like a big deal, but coaches love consistency. They'd rather have a steady player than one that makes some big plays but gets out of position, makes mistakes, and freelances. Alualu was a rock. The defensive staff knew what they'd get out of him in every meeting, practice and game.
So why didn't the Jaguars re-sign him? The team just signed 30-year-old Calais Campbell (and gave him $30 million guaranteed) to play the same spot. Alualu is turning 30 in May and the Jaguars have a chance to get younger at the position because there's a glut of talented defensive ends in the upcoming draft.
Alualu's career won't earn him a spot in the Pride of the Jaguars, but he deserves better than being labeled a bust.
