Replacing Sean Davis: Ranking the Steelers backup safety options
By Andrew Falce
The “best” of the rest:
- Deon Bush, Chicago Bears
- Tanner Muse, Clemson
- Jeff Heath, Dallas Cowboys
- Marcus Allen, Pittsburgh Steelers
Even the last tier would function ok as the #3 safety with this team. Deon Bush has been a sporadic backup in Chicago but hasn’t played horribly when on the field. Jeff Heath has started the past couple of years but seems to have the talent as a backup more so than a starter.
While the two free agents are depth only (not a huge role in subpackage), Muse is a different story. A safety playing in a linebacker’s body, Muse looks the part of a role player and depth piece on defense. He may have risen his draft stock too high though after blowing up his pro day.
The Steelers had a dinner with Tanner Muse at Clemson Pro Day. Dude is an athletic freak:
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) March 15, 2020
6’2”, 227 lbs
40: 4.38
BP: 20
VJ: 34.5”
BJ: 10’4”
SS: 4.12
3C: 6.84
He projects as a LB at the next level. Tape isn’t great unfortunately, even if the numbers are great.
After those measurables, he likely will be gone within the first four rounds. Important to note the Steelers did have dinner with him at his pro-day, meaning they have some level of intrigue with him.
Finally, we have Marcus Allen, the former fifth-rounder from Penn State. He has seen limited playing time but has still stuck around. Maybe the team thinks he can take that next step and become the depth player they hoped to get when they drafted him.
Related Story. Ranking the Steelers options to replace Ramon Foster. light
The Steelers are flush with quality options when it comes to #3 safeties and could go a variety of different routes. If they could land Joseph and add a mid-round rookie, the depth will go from shallow to deep rather quickly. Expect a move or two here this offseason, and perhaps one as early as the first week of free agency in Joseph is the target.