When it comes to pass-rushing outside linebackers, no franchise can boast the quality of players the Pittsburgh Steelers can. Since moving to the 3-4 defense the Steelers have been able to always trot out top pass rushers off the edge. But how does the 2019 group measure up with only two weeks before the NFL draft?
Let’s break down the depth chart as it stands now.
T.J. Watt
In just two seasons, T.J. Watt has emerged as one of the best all-around linebackers in the NFL. Watt racked up 13 sacks last season and have 20 in just two seasons. But Watt is so much more than a pass rusher with the ability to drop into coverage and stuff the run.
Bud Dupree
The Steelers drafted Dupree in the first round of the 2015 draft based on ridiculous athleticism. So far he’s lived up to the hype as far as an athlete but very little of that has translated to production on the field. Dupree has 20 sacks over four seasons and could be playing his last year with Pittsburgh.
Anthony Chickillo
The Steelers gave Anthony Chickillo a new contract this offseason and he remains the only legitimate reserve among the outside linebackers. This is unfortunate because Chickillo offers almost nothing in terms of a pass rush. He’s an excellent special teams player but little else.
Ola Adeniyi
The Steelers do have one more guy on the team with promise. Ola Adeniyi came to the Steelers last season as an UDFA and spent the year learning the position. He’s got some promise but nothing is certain with him.
Overall
Compared to cornerback and inside linebacker, outside linebacker is a much thinner unit. There’s nothing to say Dupree is going to get any better and there is no one to bail him out if he falls flat again. This draft has a large group of edge guys in the first two rounds and it’s hard to see the Steelers passing on one. Pittsburgh addressed every other major need on the roster in free agency, which I think freed them up to draft an edge player in the first this year.
