Despite the fact the Pittsburgh Steelers play a base 3-4 defense, it isn’t often the team actually uses their base personnel. This means the need for two inside linebackers on the field at the same time. The difference is the expectations of the Steelers’ inside linebackers have changed from a pure run-stuffing role to more coverage and pass rush responsibilities.
Most draft pundits list inside linebacker as a top draft need for the Steelers so we decided to take a closer look at the position.
Vince Williams
The veteran of the group is Vince Williams. He’s been entrenched as the starter for the past two seasons with 30 starts over the last two years. Williams is a tremendous run stuffer and emerging pass rusher who might be one of the most underrated guys on defense. But even with all that, Williams only plays around 70 percent of the defensive snaps due to all the sub-package defense.
Mark Barron
Pittsburgh made a splash in free agency when they brought in Mark Barron. He’s a much faster player than Williams and claims he’s never coming off the field. Coverage at the inside linebacker spot is something the team has been missing since losing Ryan Shazier so if he can utilize his speed on passing downs he could end up getting the most reps of any inside linebacker.
Jon Bostic
Bostic was signed last year to help fill the void left by Shazier and as a run stopper, he did well. But Bostic is limited in coverage and as a pass rusher which limits the impact he can have on a defense who runs so much nickel and dime. The addition of Barron hurts Bostic’s playing time more than anyone else.
Tyler Matakevich
Tyler Matakevich is an experienced veteran who has his greatest impact on special teams. Matakevich is limited athletically and isn’t going to give Pittsburgh anything different from what Bostic does.
Overall
If you believe the addition of Barron is going to have a significant positive impact on the defense and you believe Pittsburgh is going to continue to run a majority of their plays out of a sub package, adding another inside linebacker early in the draft doesn’t make any sense. The Steelers will have Barron and Williams as starters with Bostic as a primary backup. Adding in a top rookie either means one of the starters you pay so much loses a spot or a top rookie doesn’t see the field.
