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Steelers 2020 NFL draft recap: Re-tooling both offense and defense

By Eric Hassel

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Chase Claypool #WO08 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Chase Claypool
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Chase Claypool #WO08 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Chase Claypool /
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Steelers. Alex Highsmith
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman Alex Highsmith of Charlotte runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The Steelers added quality depth on the defensive side of the ball in the third round

So, ironically, similar to ‘calling’ the pick of Wide Receiver in the second round, I did state that we would probably draft a linebacker in the third round, albeit I did not predict that we would draft a very productive ‘small school’ linebacker.

Alex Highsmith, the aforementioned linebacker, played his college ball at Charlotte.  While Charlotte is an FBS school, it is not what I would label a ‘powerhouse’ football program.  Highsmith had a very productive college career, ranking first in school history in sacks in a single game, in a season and all-time.  Admittedly, I did not watch a ton of Charlotte football last season, but I did watch Highsmith’s highlight reel from the official site of the Steelers.  It is available here:  Highsmith’s highlights

Highsmith has good size at 6′ 4″ and 242 LBS. Where he fits in on the defense remains to be seen, but I envision him being a quality backup to our starting OLBs.  If he can play both OLB spots, that would be a plus.  In a 3-4 scheme, it is vitally important for the OLBs to be able to play either side of the defense.

It is also vitally important for the OLBs to be ‘stout’ against the run, to be able to rush the QB and to be able to drop into coverage if the need arises.  If Highsmith can do any or all of those things, he may get a ‘ton’ of playing time.

Let’s continue by taking a look at who the Steelers added in round four.

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