Steelers roster: Ranking the best options at linebacker next to Devin Bush

2. Vince Williams

In years past, Vince Williams was the clear-cut best option to man the “Buck” linebacker position. However, after lining up next to Bush for just 19 games, through the young linebacker’s first two seasons, Williams may no longer be the best option to do so.

That doesn’t mean that the long-time veteran linebacker can’t carve out a decent role with this team. Williams has always been strong when it comes to blitzing and going north and south; however, he has become more of a liability in coverage as he gets older.

At this point in his career, Williams should not be asked to be anywhere near a full-time player for the Steelers, and the fact that he was released earlier this offseason to save a few pennies before being re-signed should speak to that point. That’s not a move Pittsburgh’s brass would have made if they thought he was a true starting linebacker and the best option on this team outside of Devin Bush.

Experience matters in the NFL (which is exactly why the Steelers are likely to keep Williams around for one final season in a closing Super Bowl window). However, at this point in his career, he should be a situational player who comes on obvious running downs or to tee off on an opposing quarterback.