Grading Steelers stellar rookies halfway through 2020 season

Alex Highsmith

Grade: B+

If early indications are a sign, the Steelers may have hit a gold mine with Alex Highsmith. The late third-round pick has already asserted himself as the top backup outside linebacker (sorry Olasunkanmi Adeniyi), and even better as entered into a healthy rotation. Based on reports, his playing time isn’t going to decrease either. The Steelers utilized three outside linebackers on the field multiple times last week, and it seems like similar packages could be used in the future.

While he has yet to record a sack, those should come over time as he harnesses his pass-rush ability. As well, he showed to be a versatile player while in coverage, logging an interception against the Ravens. Throw in the fact he has been all over the field on special teams, and Highsmith is quickly becoming a core player on this team. While the likely departure of Bud Dupree will hurt this offseason, early signs show that the Steelers have a capable player to replace him next year.

His expectations were to get a sack or two as a rotational backup, become the primary backup, and become a core special teamer. He has achieved two of those three things already, and the sacks are likely to come over time. It looks like the Steelers got a quality player this year, and he should be the frontrunner to start next year. He should have a bright future with the team.