Steelers set to watch freakish linebacker at NFL Combine
No player can transform Pittsburgh’s defense more than him
The Steelers finished 10th in total team defense in 2022, rebounding off a down year in 2021 that saw them finish 20th in the league.
Without star edge defender T.J. Watt for most of the season with a partially torn pec, players like Alex Highsmith, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and the ageless Cam Heyward had monumental contributions.
While the secondary (particularly corner) remains a real concern, the deficiency in both talent and depth at the inside linebacker position is unsettling.
After trading up to select Devin Bush in the 2019 draft, the fit just never worked in Pittsburgh.
A stellar rookie year was cut short in Bush's sophomore season due to an ACL and the player post-injury couldn't recapture his frenetic athleticism.
Bush and Robert Spillane are set to become free agents, meaning Pittsburgh has two 7th-rounders (Tae Crowder/Mark Robinson) and Myles Jack as their only linebackers for 2023.
With money being tight in Pittsburgh (60k over the cap) there's a real chance that Jack is a cap causality thanks to his number growing from $4.75 million last year to $11.25 million in 2023.
The evidence is clear, Pittsburgh needs a vibrant, youthful makeover to the inside linebacking corps, starting with the 2023 NFL Draft.
One prospect that will glean adjectives in bunches at this year's NFL Combine is Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson.
Listed at 6030, 240 lbs, Simpson is a rocked-up, off-ball defender that oozes functional athleticism.
While off-ball linebacker has gone by the way-side in terms of positional value in the NFL, having second-level defenders that are versatile can bring a defense from good to great.
Pittsburgh is known for their 3-4 defense, meaning there's an onus on the inside linebackers to be rangy and instinctive.
With so many teams (including Pittsburgh) opting to play in sub-packages even on early downs, you have to have players that are both stout enough against the run, and fluid enough to mirror and match.
The versatility of alignment, instincts, and quality traits are critical factors in Simpson's game.
Having played everywhere from edge defender to post safety, Mike Tomlin would have a field day tinkering with Simpson's positioning.
The issue lies in just how well Simpson tests on Thursday at the Combine. Currently sitting at 30th on the consensus board, Simpson could fall into Pittsburgh's lap at 32nd overall.
But if all the indications on tape are true, there is a chance Simpson clears 40" on his vertical, and sub 4.5 in his 40 time while working out in Indy.
That could create a meteoric rise in draft stock for the former Tiger, leaving the Steelers in no man's land.
Because Pittsburgh has three picks in the top 50, (17, 32, 49) they are unlikely to reach at 17 for a non-premium position like linebacker, especially considering their more pressing needs (OL, CB).
The Steelers will want Simpson to test well, confirming their priors on his film, but test too well..and he may end up out of reach.
Featured image via © Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
