Often times, NFL teams use the draft to replace free-agent losses. This will certainly be the case for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason but they will likely have the added pressure of replacing starters released for salary-cap relief. One of those players is linebacker Mark Barron.
Pittsburgh overpaid for Barron and he grossly underperformed. Now. with a chance to save more than $5 million against the cap by cutting him, you’d think he isn’t long for this team.
However, this does mean filling Barron’s spot on the depth chart will fall on the draft. But there’s no panic here. The Steelers have one of the best young inside linebackers in the NFL in Devin Bush on the roster. Also, the Steelers run a ton of nickel and dime defense which takes the second inside linebacker off the field.
In addition, let’s not forget Vince Williams is still on the team. He’s a great player and unfairly lost reps last season to Barron. There should be no hesitation to plug Williams back into the starting lineup in base defense.
Having said that, if the Steelers do want to invest a mid to late-round pick on a linebacker, they should shoot for a high-upside athlete since they won’t be asked to play right away.
Here are three guys who have impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Jordan Brooks, Texas Tech
Brooks plays every snap like he was shot out of a cannot and when you are going to start your NFL career on special teams, this is a good thing. Brooks had the seventh-fastest 40 time among with linebackers at 4.54 seconds and while he’s raw, he does not lack physical tools.
Davion Taylor, Colorado
Taylor hasn’t played a ton of football but he’s got elite athleticism for the position and that tweener size to float between linebacker and Safety in the Steelers’ system. Taylor was one of only three linebackers to run their 40 in under 4.5 seconds.
Khaleke Hudson, Michigan
Where Taylor lacks experience, Hudson might have too much. The Wolverines moved him all over the field, not allowing him a chance to settle in anywhere. With the Steelers, Hudson could be a moving piece alternating between inside and outside linebacker as well as dropping into coverage.
