Steelers should strongly consider Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in NFL Draft

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is one of the most dynamic defenders in the 2021 NFL Draft. Here’s why Steelers should consider him if he falls to pick 24.

It seems like there are two types of Steelers fans on social media prior to the 2021 NFL Draft: Those who want Pittsburgh to take a running back in the first round and those who want them to target the best available player. If you are of the latter, here’s a player you are already probably very familiar with.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah certainly isn’t the biggest or strongest linebacker entering the NFL Draft, and some even question his ability to hold up against the run. However, I would argue that he’s the perfect defensive playmaker for today’s NFL and one that the Steelers should strongly consider if he ends up sliding to the 24th overall pick this year.

I’m sure you are already well aware that the Steelers signed Vince Williams to a one-year contract after releasing him earlier this offseason. In addition to his return, former top-10 pick Devin Bush will be coming back from an ACL tear that he suffered in Week 5 of last season. With Bush’s return, there is little doubt that Pittsburgh will be better off at linebacker than they were just a year ago when Robert Spillane and Avery Williamson were forced into action, but there is always room for improvement.

What Owusu-Koramoah would bring to the Steelers

Owusu-Koramoah isn’t your typical linebacker. Admittedly, playing him alongside Devin Bush in Pittsburgh’s base 3-4 defense may not be ideal, as both linebackers are considered undersized – even for today’s game. Still, the thought of what you could get out of this pairing in terms of their potential coverage and playmaking ability is enough to make any defensive coordinator salivate.

J.O.K. was considered by many to be the best coverage linebacker in college football last year. At 6’1 1/2” and 221 pounds, he has a rare ability to sink his hips and fluidly move with receivers. His change of direction skills are top-notch and absolutely pops out when watching his film.

Though Owusu-Koramoah had just one interception over the past two seasons at Notre Dame, he still got his hands on 7 balls in pass defense and chipped in 5 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries during this time – even scoring one defensive touchdown.

In today’s NFL, coordinators are looking for creative playmakers on defense, and J.O.K. is capable of wearing many hats. His coverage skills and athletic traits are good enough to use him as a box safety, dime backer, or even nickel cornerback – depending on the defensive package. In addition, he is incredibly slippery and explosive to get after the quarterback on blitzes.

Yes, the Steelers have a number of pressing needs this offseason, and many fans would argue that linebacker is way down on the list of priorities. However, I am confident that Owusu-Koramoah is a player who can step in and make a difference on defense right away. If all goes well, he could have a very similar career path as Falcons Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones – who has a remarkably similar size and athletic profile.

Keith Bulter’s linebackers have been torched too often in the passing game over the years, and in today’s pass-happy league, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is the perfect defense against high-powered offenses. Drafting the best player available rarely turns out to be a bad thing, and there’s a chance that J.O.K. is one of the top players on the Steelers draft board at pick 24. Perhaps they should consider pulling the trigger.