Which Steelers LB will earn the biggest role alongside Devin Bush?

Buddy Johnson

I’ve got to be honest, I don’t love most of Buddy Johnson’s tape from Texas A&M. Though he shows flashes, he often seems like he’s a step late to the play and almost even confused at times. This is a bit concerning. However, depending on what game you watch, Johnson can look very good.

It’s certainly not hard to see why the Steelers were attracted to him in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In addition to having quality size at roughly 6′ 1/2” and 240 pounds, Johnson tested as a phenomenal athlete at the linebacker position. At his Texas A&M Pro Day, Johnson earned a 4.58 40-yard dash, 38.5” vertical, 10’8” broad jump, a lightning-fast 4.07 20-yard shuttle.

This sideline-to-sideline speed and explosion can be seen on tape, but it’s not always utilized. Johnson has been mostly healthy throughout his college career and was a productive player as a starter for the Aggies in 2019 and 2020 – combining for 162 tackles, 17.0 tackles for a loss, 5.0 sacks, and 1 interception over his last 23 games, according to Pro Football Reference.

Of this linebacker group for the Steelers, Johnson will be the rawest without a doubt. However, he might be the best fit as the ‘Buck’ linebacker for Pittsburgh with his size, tackling ability, and physicality downhill.