3 reasons Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith will impress in his new role
By Tommy Jaggi
Highsmith has an ideal blend of traits for the position
The Steelers defense is no longer the same 3-4 scheme that required a tweener-type player like so many years in the past. T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree both fit the mold of true ‘edge defenders’ who could play in odd or even fronts, and it’s important to consider that Pittsburgh runs their nickel defense (four defensive linemen) more than their base.
Still, that doesn’t mean that they can’t benefit from a player with a versatile combination of traits. Highsmith tested as an above-average athlete at the 2020 NFL Combine – earning solid numbers in the 40-yard dash (4.70), broad jump (125”) and 20-yard shuttle (4.31). However, the rookie outside linebacker plays like an even better athlete than his testing numbers would suggest.
While he may not be the biggest or longest edge defender, Highsmith uses an impressive combination of quickness, power, and bend to set the edge and get after the quarterback. Additionally, his hand technique beyond his years and it’s part of the reason for his early success in the NFL. Highsmith is not necessarily an explosive athlete, but he’s an incredibly smooth athlete who can win in a number of different ways.
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It’s not fair to expect Alex Highsmith to be Bud Dupree in his first NFL season, and he has some massive shoes to fill as he looks to hold down the fort. Still, Steelers fans have to be impressed with what they have seen so far from the rookie, and we believe that type of play can continue as Highsmith takes on a much larger role with the team.