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Pittsburgh Steelers: James Harrison Will Benefit From Added Edge Rusher

By Noah Strackbein

Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) rushes against Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) during the second half in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Steelers won 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) rushes against Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) during the second half in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Steelers won 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely take an edge rusher in the first-round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and benefit one of their older players.

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At 38-years-old, James Harrison has done everything he could in Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ all-time leading sacker is entering his 15th year in the NFL and has yet to show his age. Still, as one of the scariest men in football, Harrison will return in 2017 looking to dominate offensive lines once again.

This year, though, he’ll have some help. With Pittsburgh’s first-round pick likely coming in to start in 2017, Harrison will be bumped to a backup edge rusher. Since returning to the Steelers in 2014 after a year-long stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, Harrison has been a relief option, but the most reliable pass rusher on the team.

The added talent on the edge will take a lot of pressure away from Harrison. With Bud Dupree on the other side and the rookie working with Harrison, the Steelers defense just returned to it’s once dominating pass rush state. Taking away from Harrison’s workload, this is going to help the 38-year-old manage another full NFL season.

Pittsburgh will still want to use Harrison as a primary source off the edge. But instead of him being the only option, he’ll be utilized as a strong body to continue pressing the quarterback whenever the rookie isn’t in the game.

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Not only is this going to be a significant improvement to Pittsburgh’s defense, constantly having an outside presence for the opposing quarterback to think about, but for the incoming rookie as well. Whoever they end up being, they’ll be working with one of the best pass rushers of the 21st century. The Hall of Fame hopeful has a Defensive Player of the Year Award and all-time leading sack record in Pittsburgh to prove he’s a star.

Instead of coming into the league and learning from Bud Dupree and defensive coordinator Keith Butler, he’ll step into a role and be guided by Harrison. Not bad for someone the Steelers hope turns into the next coming of their beloved #92.

The draft pick helps all parties. The Steelers will now have one of the best young linebacking cores in the NFL, something they’ve been striving for, for years. The incoming rookie gets to learn from one of the all-time bests while he’s playing. And James Harrison gets to continue being a factor at age 38, but not worry about being worn down from the workload.

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This is a move that’ll make everyone happy. When the Steelers select their next James Harrison, they keep the real Harrison young and energized for the final years of his career.

Pittsburgh’s first-round draft pick is going to go a long way in helping the team and Harrison dominate the NFL in 2017.

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