Sutton Smith works with the Steelers offense during OTAs
By Tommy Jaggi
Steelers rookie outside linebacker, Sutton Smith, was spotted at OTAs yesterday working with Pittsburgh’s offense.
Sutton Smith was the Steelers’ 2019 6th round draft choice, and one of the most productive defensive players the NCAA has seen in recent years – tallying 160 pressures over the past two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus Steelers:
Sutton Smith might be the smallest edge rusher in division 1 football (6'0'' 233lbs), but he is lightening off the edge. His 65 pressures ranked 2nd in the FBS, according to @PFF pic.twitter.com/mrZ1rl3xJA
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) April 10, 2019
Most pressures by an FBS edge defender since the start of 2017:
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) May 7, 2019
1. Sutton Smith, 160
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2. Maxx Crosby, 112
3. Anthony Nelson, 111
4. Chase Winovich, 109
4. Ben Banogu, 109
To dive into @PFF_College data yourself: https://t.co/sQlEZWsKLY https://t.co/xP9XUY5Cp3
Despite his remarkable production, however, Smith has was recently spotted working out on the offensive side of the ball. He also just changed his jersey number from 51 to 42. Here’s some recent news on the changes surrounding Sutton Smith:
A couple of number changes for the Steelers. Sutton Smith is now 42, Tuzar Skipper is now 51 and Zach Gentry is now 81
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 23, 2019
I caught up with @suttonsmith5 (#42 defense) after practice today about working with the #Steelers offense for part of practice. His interview will be up shortly on https://t.co/lpUa8m5Ig5. pic.twitter.com/i1PFmfjNKo
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) May 23, 2019
Sutton Smith is willing to do whatever is asked of him. pic.twitter.com/fndxvfbWxy
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 23, 2019
The Steelers appear to be playing Smith as a full back on offense in the clip from Missi Matthews. This doesn’t mean that he has changed positions. Rather the Steelers are probably interested to see what type of versatility he brings to the table.
As a 6th round draft choice, your job is never secure until you prove yourself. Though he was extremely productive at Northern Illinois, Smith is bite-sized for the position. Pittsburgh wants to make sure they know what Sutton Smith brings to the table if he is to use up a spot on the 53-man roster.
In addition to outside linebacker, I expect Pittsburgh to try him at inside because of such an extreme lack of height and length.
In reality, Sutton Smith will have to start by making his living on special teams – something former 7th round draft choice, Tyler Matakevich, has excelled at over the past few years.
Steelers players need to avoid social media drama. dark. Next
As a college defensive star, It’s unreasonable to think that Smith is going to find his home on offense. However, natural football players can do a lot of things for your team. The Steelers are experimenting with Sutton Smith to figure out the best way to utilize him in the NFL.