The Pittsburgh Steelers found a way to keep outside linebacker Bud Dupree for 2020 on the franchise tag. But the reality is he’s likely a one-year rental before he heads off to sign a massive free-agent contract somewhere else in 2021. After releasing Anthony Chickillo, it was no stretch to think the Steelers would use a top pick on a player to bolster depth at edge rusher.
That pick turned out to be Charlotte edge Alex Highsmith at the end of the third round.
There’s a competition to replace Bud Dupree
If we assume Dupree is gone after this season, his successor comes down to a battle between Highsmith and Ola Adeniyi as of right now. Adeniyi is a former UDFA who has looked solid in preseason but couldn’t see consistent reps behind Dupree and Watt last season. Highsmith is a better player right now that Adeniyi so he should push him from day one.
His presence will make T.J. Watt better
If there’s anything Highsmith can do for the Steelers defense he should allow guys like Watt and Dupree to come off the field more without such a significant drop in the level of play. Last season, when Chickillo came in for Watt or Dupree, you knew there would be no pass rush. This forced the Steelers to really rack up the reps on the starters.
Pittsburgh is happy with the running back depth chart
The Steelers had every opportunity to draft a running back in the third round but didn’t. This tells me they are comfortable going into the season with James Conner, Benny Snell Jr., and Jaylen Samuels. The Steelers didn’t need another outside linebacker but if they saw no glaring hole at running back, they were able to go after the best player on their board and that was Highsmith.
Pittsburgh is also happy with the offensive line depth chart
Similar to running back, offensive line looks like a worry on the outside looking in. But Pittsburgh passed on several very good developmental offensive line prospects to go for the athletic potential of Highsmith instead. The Steelers offensive line is getting old but getting a potential starter-quality 3-4 OLB in the third round was too tempting to pass up.
