Still Curtain
FanSided

3 under-the-radar prospects the Steelers should keep an eye on

By Maxwell Chafiian

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Troy Dye #35 of the Oregon Ducks, right, intercepts a Tyler Huntley pass intended for Brant Kuithe #80 of the Utah Utes late in the fourth quarter during the Pac-12 Championship football game at Levi's Stadium on December 6, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Oregon Ducks won 37-15. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Troy Dye #35 of the Oregon Ducks, right, intercepts a Tyler Huntley pass intended for Brant Kuithe #80 of the Utah Utes late in the fourth quarter during the Pac-12 Championship football game at Levi's Stadium on December 6, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Oregon Ducks won 37-15. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
BOISE, ID – OCTOBER 6: Quarterback Ryan Agnew #9 of the San Diego State Aztecs is sacked by linebacker Curtis Weaver #99 of the Boise State Broncos during first half action on October 6, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – OCTOBER 6: Quarterback Ryan Agnew #9 of the San Diego State Aztecs is sacked by linebacker Curtis Weaver #99 of the Boise State Broncos during first half action on October 6, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

Curtis Weaver

It is well known that the Steelers are extremely cap strapped this upcoming off-season. This issue is likely going to conclude with the unfortunate departure of key defensive player Javon Hargrave. Luckily, the Steelers will have Stephon Tuitt returning from injury to mitigate this loss. With only a little over a million dollars in cap space, there is no certainty that edge rusher Bud Dupree will remain with the team either.

Dupree, coming off a career-high 11.5 sack season, is going to want a massive payday. Unfortunately, the Steelers are not in the position to give out a huge contract. If in fact, Dupree departs in free agency, there is no real depth behind him that can play the edge. The Steelers will likely be looking at the draft to find his replacement.

Boise State product Curtis Weaver is a very interesting name that could potentially fill this hole. The 6’3″ 265-pound defender is the Mountain-West conference all-time leader in sacks. Through 3 collegiate seasons, Weaver has accumulated 34 career sacks, cementing himself as one of the top sack artists in all of college football.

Weaver has the strength and quickness to beat offensive tackles in any way possible. He is able to win by turning the corner on tackles or simply bull rushing them back into the Quarterback’s lap. While Weaver is most notably known for his ability to rush the Quarterback, he is no one trick pony.

Weaver has added 6 pass deflections and 2 interceptions in his career, showcasing his ability to impact a game in more ways than one. Adding a player of Weaver’s caliber has the potential to pay off serious dividends. If Dupree departs, he would be a solid candidate to fill this position.

Home/Steelers News