The Steelers did some work to improve their depth at multiple positions this offseason. One area that could still use some work is outside linebacker, and Mark Kaboly of The Athletic believes the Steelers will address the position in late August following final cuts.
The team is obviously set when it comes to their starting lineup. T.J. Watt is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, while former third-round pick Alex Highsmith is coming off a breakout year that saw him compile six sacks. That duo may be one of the best OLB tandems in the NFL,and Highsmith is hoping they can establish themselves as the best OLB grouping by taking his own game to another level.
“I definitely feel I can be more productive sacks-wise. This year hitting double digits is a main goal of mine. At least 10 or 12. Somewhere around there,” Highsmith told Tim Benz of TribLive.com. “Refining a lot of my game. Whether that’s pass-rushing or getting more physical in the run game. No matter how much of a jump I make, I feel like I can always get better.”
However, it’s the depth behind the starting outside linebackers that’s questionable. At the moment, the grouping of Derrek Tuszka, Genard Avery, Tuzar Skipper, Delontae Scott are currently slotted in to compete for backup reps at the position. The Steelers also brought in a pair of undrafted rookies at the position in T.D. Moultry and Tyree Johnson.
As Kaboly writes, the Steelers are looking to avoid the situation that happened against the Vikings last season, when neither of the two outside linebackers could suit up. The two players have been healthy throughout their career, but experienced depth would make an injury a bit more tolerable.
Yikes! Tomlin would just say, “Next man up.” But there definitely is a need there to improve the quality of the depth chart. Of course, that’s been an issue for a few (?) seasons now.
since Melvin Ingram was soooo happy in that role last year, I’m sure veterans are jumping at the bit to be the backup to 2 top LBs
I could see Anthony Barr being a solid fit as a non-pass rushing option,
or if they want just a pure pass rusher Jason pierre Paul might have some gas left in the tank
also more realistically, Takk McKinley could find some use in the steelers system .. I remember everyone wanted him the year we got Watt.. could end up with both years later
Watt plays way fewer downs than Steeler fans realize
That’s to keep him fresh tho…. That is why he is improving every year. He isn’t being ran into the ground.
Not sure how often you guys are going to continue to refer to Mark Kaboly articles.
If you look at his track record lately, he’s been waaay off on his reporting.
Still not sure how he still has a job at the Athletic.
Yeah, I think what did it for me was his article that said the Steelers weren’t looking for D-line help from the outside, followed by them signing Ogunjobi two days later
I dunno. Not sold on the secondary and yeah, if a guy goes down at the LB or really, D-line position they’re in some real trouble but they should be improved, at least. But that schedule is tough
ya seems like this guy takes random shots in the dark with no inside info.
OLB depth could be fine Tuszka and Avery are pretty much appropriate backups
I didn’t realize it was Kaboly article when mentioning a Barr or JPP
but adding a former 1st round bust with some upside like Takk McKinley for cheap might still be a worthy idea. Kind of similar to Taco Charlton pickup in the past