Steelers rookie pass rusher Jack Sawyer knows that his work is cut out for him when it comes to the standard Pittsburgh expects
Usually, when you slip to day three of the NFL Draft, teams view you as a project, who in a best-case scenario can serve a role on the team. But when the Pittsburgh Steelers draft you in round four or higher at the EDGE position, they expect you to be a significant contributor, and fast. […]
Usually, when you slip to day three of the NFL Draft, teams view you as a project, who in a best-case scenario can serve a role on the team.
But when the Pittsburgh Steelers draft you in round four or higher at the EDGE position, they expect you to be a significant contributor, and fast.
Luckily for Jack Sawyer, he knows that and he's preparing accordingly…
Jack Sawyer recognizes the standard that comes with playing EDGE in Pittsburgh…
“There’s a standard to uphold,” Sawyer told Pittsburgh media at rookie minicamp. “Obviously, I’ve got three really good players in my room, too. I’m just excited to come in, keep my head down, and work and do everything I can to help the team and learn from those guys."
Cracking the pass rushing rotation when the three names in front of you are T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig will be no easy feat. Sawyer knows that, but the fact that he recognizes the responsibility that comes with playing the position will go a long way in his development.
After all, he's been groomed his whole life to take on the role in Pittsburgh…
"I mean, you think of the Steelers, you think of the defense, Jack Ham, Mean Joe Green, all the guys that you know came and just been great, hard nosed, gritty, tough football players," Sawyer told Big Ben on Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. "Put on the Black and Gold and for me, that's like, who I tried to be growing up. My dad tried to instill being tough, gritty, and nosed. Play the game physical. So for me, being able to come into this place and really just exactly where I wanted to be, the town, the city, [I] kind of wanted to be in, tough blue, blue collar, hard working people….
"…Like you said, you know, [We] got T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig. And I'm super excited to get in there and learn from those guys and go to work every day with them. I couldn't be more fired up. And obviously, big Cam Heyward. Excited to get to work with all these guys and you know hopefully go win a couple championships."
The Steelers drafted Sawyer to bring back that very grit and physicality that he spoke of. A defense that was bludgeoned for over 300 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs, Sawyer, along with Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black were selected to make sure that never happens again.
It seems like Jack Sawyer will make sure it doesn't.
