Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers projected starting defense in 2021

Linebackers:

OLB – Alex Highsmith – B  – Coming in for an injured Bud Dupree, this rookie didn’t miss a step. He flashed a number of good pass moves, was strong against the run, and was solid in pass coverage. In 5 games he had 48 tackles, 5 for a loss, 2 sacks, and 6 QB hits. Against the pass, he had 1 int. and 2 pass deflections.

WILL – Devin Bush – B+  – Bush put up 109 tackles in his rookie year, displaying speed and a very strong sideline to sideline game. In 2020 Devin got knocked out after 5 games with an ACL. He’s had an off season marred by bad and strange social media activity. Hopefully, Devin will build on his rookie season in 2021.

MACK – Robert Spillane – B- – Spillane earned the right to be the man to beat coming in for Bush after his injury. Tough against the run, he will be a more natural fit at MACK. In 7 games Spillane had 45 tackles, 4 for a loss, and 3 QB hits. He added 1 int. and 4 pass deflections.

OLB – T.J. Watt – A+ – If Cam is the head of the Steelers defense, T.J. is its heart. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, he had superstar numbers in 2020. Watt was incredibly disruptive, putting up 23 tackles for loss, 15.0 sacks, and an eye-popping 41 QB hits. He also played very well against the pass with 1 interception and 7 pass deflections.