Ahead of the NFL draft (April 29 – May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” this week spends publishing Pittsburgh Steelers daily previews and podcasts. We divide the franchise’s needs into five different sections.
Every day, former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor / “Peacock and Williamson NFL Show”) joins me to analyze the prospective talent within a given position group.
We will also discuss potential Steelers targets, organizational needs, and draft strategy.
In Thursday’s report, we look at the defense front seven.
Do not lie. I thought this post would be a lot more interesting about a week ago.
While Devin Bush suffered a knee injury, released Vince Williams, Robert Spillane as an appetizer and then a minimal depth, I wondered if the Steelers could shock a lot of offensive people and take a linebacker .
Now, with Williams coming back, I’m less likely to consider the prospect.
Not only would there have been a clear need for that position, but there are plenty of good players who fit the ‘off-the-ball’ linebacker form. And in Thursday’s podcast, Williamson holds together a point I made many times about in-line stands this off-season.
Everyone should try to find some backs like Lavonte David and Devin White from Tampa Bay. It can ‘t be one star like Ryan Shazier or Devin Bush and … just another guy. It can not be one three-off athlete and a run plugger. Everyone should try to find an inside-line tandem, like finding two good cornerbacks.
‘It’s easier said than done. “We saw life (in Pittsburgh) when you had nothing,” Williamson said. ‘But if you have two, it’s a luxury that few teams have. I often think of (Patrick) Willis and (NaVorro) Bowman in San Francisco. The Tampa Bay reference is amazing.
“There’s a lot of speed and athleticism at the second level of this concept that will look pretty good next to Bush.”
Penn State’s Micah Parsons tops the list. He will be long gone before the Steelers pick at number 24. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah of Notre Dame is unlikely to like either.
Many other products, such as Baron Browning and Pete Werner, Zaven Collins (Tulsa), Jamin Davis (Kentucky) and Jabril Cox (LSU), may also be available.
Collins is particularly interesting at 6 feet-4, 260 pounds. It looks like he can move well enough on the size to play within a 3-4, but can also chase off the edge if asked.
“For a long time, he’s getting better,” Williamson said. ‘He turns his hips and runs with these big, long stiff points. Kind of reminds me of Anthony Barr or Jamie Collins. Really athletic, barely special abilities for someone who is that tall. Super interesting guy. You can really do a lot with him. ”
But if the Steelers feel comfortable enough with depth in that position (I wouldn’t), they might consider strengthening the lineout position group line. After all, both Bud Dupree and Ola Adeniyi leave for the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
So, even if Mike Tomlin, head coach, and Kevin Colbert, general manager, are willing to anoint Alex Highsmith as a full-time replacement for TJ Watt (I would not do that yet), a few extra figures could be helpful.
Gregory Rousseau of Miami is a player who is regularly ridiculed by the Steelers. But Williamson is not entirely sold that he would merge with the Steelers scheme.
“Rousseau is someone I will frown on,” Williamson said. ‘I think he’s more of a 4-3 hand-in-the-dirt guy. Not struggling. ”
Other viable options on the position that, according to Williamson, fit better include another former hurricane, Jaelan Phillips.
Many people exploring the concept see Jayson Oweh of Penn State as a prospect. He had a freakish pro day, but did not have a bag last year.
‘He’s a defensive finisher who ran a 4.37 (40-yard) run. That is not happening, ”Williamson said. “He had no bags last year, but he was disruptive. It’s not like he’s not appearing on tape and he’s had a bit of pocket production in the past.
‘The upside is through the roof. His qualities scream first round. ‘
In Thursday’s podcast outlining the top seven, Williamson and I also talk about Patrick Jones of Pitt. We’re talking about why Tyson Alualu’s decision to return to Pittsburgh back then was so important. And Matt tells me why he’s not as high on Miss Bolton of Missouri as an inner lane for the Steelers like me.
Listen: Tim Benz and Matt Williamson look at the defensive seven players in the NFL draft that could help the Steelers
Tim Benz is a staff writer for Tribune-Review. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or via Twitter. All tweets can be re-posted. Unless otherwise stated, all emails are subject to publication.