Pittsburgh Steelers: Assessing the linebacker position entering summer
Training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers is on the way. We are now focused on the defensive side of the ball. Next up is the linebacking corps.
It’s time for Part 7 of this series for NFL Spin Zone. We’re assessing each Pittsburgh Steelers position group while we’re still in the heart of the offseason prior to training camp. We have already have previewed the entire offensive unit, as well as the defensive line. Now, it’s time to take a look at what has traditionally been a team strength for the Black and Gold. It’s the linebacking position.
Related Story: 2017 NFL Power Rankings: End of mandatory minicamp edition
Jack Ham. Jack Lambert. Andy Russell. Robin Cole. Mike Merriweather. David Little. Greg Lloyd. Bryan Hinkle. Kevin Greene. Chad Brown. Levon Kirkland. Jason Gildon. James Farrior. Kendrell Bell. LaMarr Woodley. Lawrence Timmons, etc. All told, that’s quite the ledger.
Yes, it’s a seemingly endless list when it comes to the Steelers and a legacy of star linebackers. It dates back to the Steel Curtain days of Hall of Famers Ham and Lambert. Be it the old 4-3 days or the current 3-4, this franchise always seems to corner the market on the position.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Yes, there have been a few misses along the way. And some like Greene and Farrior have come via free agency. But for decades, the Steelers have had their share of stars when it comes to the second line of defense.
In four of the past five drafts, general manager Kevin Colbert uses a first-round pick on a linebacker. It started in 2013 with Jarvis Jones (now with the Arizona Cardinals), then continued with Ryan Shazier (2014) and Bud Dupree (2015). This past April, University of Wisconsin pass rush T.J. Watt was added. While Jones disappointed, Shazier gets better each year and Dupree is on the rise. On the other hand, relentless James Harrison continues to torment opposing quarterbacks and other as well. Four-year pro Vince Williams rounds out the starting four.
Veteran Arthur Moats and youngster such as inside presence Tyler Matakevich and two-year veteran Anthony Chickillo provide depth. Meanwhile, will 2017 seventh-round pick Keion Adams make the active roster?
Evaluation:
The loss of Timmons to the Miami Dolphins is certainly a big blow. Williams must step up big time but he is a former starter so the transition should be seamless. Shazier is a Pro Bowler but has had problems staying on the field, which has obviously been the opposite case when it comes to the ageless Harrison.
More nfl spin zone: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Best players by jersey number
It will be interesting to see what the team gets from Watt (pun intended). But the player to keep an eye on is Dupree, who showed fierce flashes this past season. As usual, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in pretty good shape here. But they could use more big plays from this group.