3 Steelers linebackers could be fighting for 1 roster spot

Heading into the season, there are likely three Steelers linebackers that could be fighting over just one spot on the final 53-man roster.

As the old saying goes ‘two dogs, one bone’ doesn’t quite fit in this situation. It’s more like ‘three dogs, one bone’ in the middle of the Steelers defense. At a linebacker position that was so depleted last season for Pittsburgh, there seems to be a surplus at the moment.

Having added depth is never a bad thing, but the Steelers have some decisions to make in the near future. With only so many roster spots alluded to the linebacker position, who will make the cut? Here are three linebackers that could be fighting over the same job:

Tyler Matakevich

Tyler Matakevich is a player many thought would not make the team as a rookie back in 2016. Though highly productive at Temple, Matakevich was undersized and possessed less than ideal athleticism.

However, ‘Dirty Red’ is entering year four with the Steelers and has proven to be a stand-out special teams player for Pittsburgh. He has made a home here, but with limited potential on defense, could the Steelers look elsewhere to fill this position?

Sutton Smith

Smith was drafted as one of the NCAA’s most productive pass rushers in Division 1 football. However, with a severe lack of size and length, Sutton Smith will likely be looking at a move inside for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh has already tried Smith out on the offensive side of the ball to test his versatility, and he will no doubt have to prove his worth on special teams as a 6th round draft choice. Smith possesses more position flexibility and athleticism than Matakevich, but both might be fighting over the same job in 2019.

Ulysees Gilbert III

Though it is very early in the process, Gilbert might be the lowest man on the list in this three-player race. Gilbert will likely serve as a backup Mack linebacker, but Pittsburgh drafted Devin Bush and brought in Mark Barron – two players who will both be above the Gilbert on the depth chart.

Gilbert doesn’t offer the flexibility Sutton Smith does, or the experience of Matakevich. What he does possess, however, is great athleticism and a nose for the football. Much Like Matthew Thomas a season ago, Gilbert will have to impress during camp and preseason if he wants a chance to land on the on the final roster.

It’s still to early to predict exactly how things will shape up for the Steelers’ linebackers in 2019. Perhaps the Steelers can find a way to keep two of these three players on the final roster. However, one things is for sure: someone on this list is going to draw the short straw and look for employment elsewhere in 2019.