3 young linebackers who could replace Vince Williams for Steelers

Buddy Johnson

Of all the linebackers on Pittsburgh’s roster, Buddy Johnson is the most like Vince Williams. Listed at 6’2” and 240 pounds but the team’s official website, Johnson was excellent at going downhill in college and taking on blocks. He’s a physical thumper who still tested as a terrific athlete.

The problem is that Johnson might be too raw to contribute on defense right away and may be limited to special teams as a rookie. Despite his prototype size and athletic traits, Johnson’s college film at Texas A&M is nothing to write home about. He looked lost far too often and froze in the hole on numerous occasions – allowing the ball carrier to get past him when he should have crashed down to make the play.

I questioned Johnson’s instincts when I watched him play in college, and that makes me wonder whether or not he would be ready to step in on the NFL stage as a rookie. Down the line, Johnson might be the best bet as the player who will eventually develop into a full-time starter, but for now, his role with the team could be limited.

It will be interesting to see how the Steelers divvy out snaps at the linebacker position. I expect Robert Spillane to get an increased workload with Vince Williams now gone, but these three linebackers could all play pivotal roles for the team in the near future.