Since at least the 1980’s the success of the Steelers defense has gone hand and hand with the quality of its linebackers. And within that framework, it is the outside linebackers who’ve been the movers and shakers for Pittsburgh.
- Since Super Bowl XLV, the Steelers have invested significant draft capital in bolstering their outside linebacking corps.
However, Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin have at least as many misfires as they do hits. With that in mind, is it time for the Steelers to target outside linebacker again in the 2019 NFL Draft?
Steelers outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree. Photo Credit: Matt Sunday, DKPS
The Steelers 2019 Outside Linebacker Depth Chart Heading into the 2019 NFL Draft: The Starters
The Steelers have used 3 first round draft picks on outside linebacker in this decade alone bringing a mixed bag to Pittsburgh.
But the one crystal clear home run is T.J. Watt whom the Steelers drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In T.J. Watt the Steelers brought an instant starter to Pittsburgh, as Watt relegated James Harrison to the bench while he racked up 7 sacks and 1 interception as a rookie.
T.J. Watt was only getting warmed up, as he returned in 2018 to make 13 sacks, force 6 fumbles drop 12 defenders behind the line of scrimmage and hit opposing quarterbacks 21 times.
- T.J. Watt is clearly a keeper.
Playing opposite T.J. Watt the Steelers have Bud Dupree, whom they selected in the 2015 NFL Draft after he unexpectedly fell in the 1st round. At the time, Bud Dupree was seen as a raw athlete in who needed to develop his skills.
- Both of those attributes have been evident in his time in Pittsburgh.
As a rookie, Bud Dupree ripped off 3 sacks in his first 5 games in four in his first 8. Then his production tapered off. At the time it was said he “hit a rookie wall.” Bud Dupree began 2016 on the injured list, but made an immediate impact when he returned, recording 4.5 sacks in just 7 games.
Unfortunately, Bud Dupree only recorded 6 sacks in 2017, prompting coaches to swap T.J. Watt and Dupree to opposite sides of the defense. In terms of sacks, the move didn’t help Dupree’s production, but he did get more pressure on the quarterback as measured by QB hits and defensed 3 more passes. HE also added a pick six in the Steelers win over Tampa Bay.
Four years into his NFL career, Bud Dupree is playing on his 5th year option and while he clearly isn’t bust in the mold of Jarvis Jones, he’s clearly failing to deliver as a first round draft pick should.
The Steelers 2019 Outside Linebacker Depth Chart Heading into the 2019 NFL Draft: The Back Ups
Backing up both T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree is Anthony Chickillo, whom the Steelers added in the same draft as Dupree and recently signed a 2 year contract extension. In four years Anthony Chickillo has done everything the Steelers have asked of him, including starting 7 games as he has seen duty on both side of the defense.
- If reports are correct, Bill Belichick offered Anthony Chickillo the same or slightly more money to come to New England.
Hate him though we may, Belichick has a keen eye for talent and does not throw around free agent money frivolously. The Steelers aren’t the only ones who’ve looked at Chickillo’s tape and seen someone who borders on being starter capable.
The Steelers also have Olasunkanmi Adeniyi who earned a spot on the Steelers active roster after a strong performance in training camp and preseason. The Steelers will also bring 2018’s 7th round pick Keion Adams back to training camp.
The Steelers 2019 Outside Linebacker Draft Need
Outside linebacker is a tricky area for the Steelers in the 2019 NFL Draft. As Bob Labriola never tires of reminding readers on Asked and Answer, the Steelers NEED defensive playmakers. But their needs at inside linebacker, cornerback and perhaps safety are stronger.
- T.J. Watt is budding into a legitimate difference maker on defense, and while Bud Dupree is a disappointment, the Steelers can win with him.
Could a rookie come in and provide an immediate upgrade over Bud Dupree? Perhaps, but that’s not something to count on. Still, what happens if the Steelers turn comes to draft at 20, the Devins are long gone, and the best player the Steelers have on their board is an outside linebacker?
- It says here that picking that player might not be the worst decision the Steelers could make.
With that said, if one only takes Pittsburgh’s needs into account, then the Steelers 2019 draft need at outside linebacker must be considered Moderate.
