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Steelers draft: Defensive prospects for the later rounds

By Jake Bendrick

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 29: Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens and Javon Hargrave #79 of the Pittsburgh Steelers embrace after the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 29: Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens and Javon Hargrave #79 of the Pittsburgh Steelers embrace after the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Linebacker Devin Bush #55 and outside linebacker Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate a down during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Linebacker Devin Bush #55 and outside linebacker Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate a down during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

How about some more linebackers?

Okay, I’m not done yet. Here are a couple more linebackers who would look great in a Steelers uniform.

Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State: Round 3

This one seems like a no-brainer. The Steelers have dipped into the Ohio State pool multiple times and with a great deal of success. In Harrison, you have a seasoned starter who tested well at the combine. His 40-yard dash of 4.66 seconds was good, but the 3 cone (6.83 seconds) and short shuttle (4.32 seconds) show he has the skill set to thrive in the middle of the Steelers’ D.

At 6′ 3″ and 247 lbs, he has the size to shed blockers and when you watch the film you see downhill tackles with something behind them at impact. This is a player, much like Logan Wilson, who you plug into special teams this year and then enjoy as a ten-year starter after that.

The question comes down to whether the Steelers feel the need at ILB is greater than some of their offensive deficiencies. After what we’ve seen at the start of free agency, I think the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Cale Garrett, LB, Missouri: Round 7/UDFA

Garrett is an odd combination of terrific change of direction traits and below-average speed. His 40 time of 4.92 seconds would be an immediate turn off for some, but his 3 cone (6.91 seconds) and short shuttle (4.13 seconds) are noteworthy and better than the average for players who participated at this position in the NFL Scouting Combine.

So what does it all mean? I’m not sure. On tape you have a guy who shows tremendous effort, play in, play out, and who RB’s do not want to meet in the box on run downs. At the same time, you wouldn’t want Garrett trying to run with any tight end not named Zach Gentry. There’s something about the guy that I think is worth a look in the 7th round or as an undrafted free agent.

So that’s it for linebackers the Steelers might value in later rounds. Now let’s have a look at defensive linemen who might be worth a draft pick come April.

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