Nose tackles fill a massive role

The subject of size was broached delicately. "You are listed at 6-foot-1..." the reporter began. "...and change," finished Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton. "You've got to respect the change." ......Shaun Rogers, Hampton's good friend and the Cleveland Browns' nose tackle, is listed at 350 but stopped short of confirming the actual number. "That's the key to being a great nose tackle," said Rogers, who was sidelined for the season Monday because of a leg injury. "Never tell anyone how much you weigh." ....On defense, it's the back-to-the-future 3-4 defense. The Cardinals, 49ers and Packers all made the switch this season, and now 13 teams employ the 3-4 as a base defense. But to do it right, you need a gifted nose tackle. Poll the scouts and you get a short list: Rogers and Hampton, Haloti Ngata of the Ravens, Vince Wilfork of the Patriots and the Cowboys' Jay Ratliff. When they're healthy, t...