Pittsburgh Steelers Film Room: Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch

How does he fit the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The obvious way he fits the Steelers is their need for an inside linebacker. With Shazier’s health and football future in question, they will likely address the position with one of their first two picks.

Vander Esch has an overall solid approach to playing inside linebacker. He is not the quickest guy but his burst and awareness each play helps make up for it.

His strongest asset is his tackling, something the Pittsburgh Steelers need to improve their defense further in 2018 and beyond. Vander Esch is one of the best tacklers in the class.

His ability to drop into coverage is another strong fit for the Steelers. One place they have lacked in recent years is the ability to cover from their linebackers.

Shazier’s coverage ability is hard to replace but a guy like Vander Esch can help begin to strengthen that area of the linebacker corps.

Vander Esch also flashes some ability to pressure the quarterback. His burst and good first steps helped him rush the quarterback into making mistakes and poor throws.

Next: Le'Veon Bell isn't a problem and money doesn't make him one

Overall Vander Esch would compliment current starter Vince Williams for the Steelers inside. Time will tell if the team has any interest in him but, as a fan, I would not scoff at him being selected in April.