4 small-school studs Steelers should salivate over in the NFL Draft

Steelers should pursue LB Troy Andersen

I have to admit, I’ve never watched a Montana State football game prior to scouting Troy Andersen this offseason. Andersen was so dynamic in the Big Sky Conference that he started his career as a dual-threat quarterback before making the transition to linebacker.

At the NFL Combine, Andersen put up some of the most impressive numbers we have ever seen from a linebacker. At 6’3 1/2” and 243 pounds, Andersen blazed with a 4.42 40-yard dash, and his 1.51 10-yard split was one of the fastest on record. Andersen was also remarkably agile — recording a 3.99 shuttle and 6.72 3-cone at his Montana State Pro day.

The collection of his size and athleticism make him a 100th percentile athlete, according to Relative Athletic Score. However, Andersen also has impressive tape and is a natural football player.

Andersen will need some time to get acclimated to the speed of the NFL, but he’s a prototype developmental prospect with excellent size and unreal athletic traits. If the Steelers drafted him, he would have a chance to emerge as a starter in a year or two.