These three Steelers aren’t in jeopardy of losing their starting jobs yet, but they still have a lot they need to prove during the 2022 season.
Whether they come out and admit it or not, I can assure you there are numerous players on each team holding their breath during the NFL Draft. With starting jobs potentially on the line, veterans don’t want the team to select a player who is going to take their spot on the field.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a few young players who could have been feeling this way during April’s draft. While they have reached flashed at times, these three players still have a lot to prove and will be hoping to hold onto their starting jobs long after the 2022 season.
Steelers EDGE Alex Highsmith
Nobody can be disappointed with the play that we have witnessed from Alex Highsmith early in his NFL career. Not only has the former third-round pick and college walk-on exceeded all expectations, but he also was a solid player across from T.J. Watt in his first season as a starter in 2021.
Unfortunately, a repeat performance of what we saw from Highsmith last season may not be enough for Pittsburgh to allow him to keep his starting job in 2023. We know how much Pittsburgh values pass rushers and the Steelers are already very thin at this position.
If Highsmith’s play is only average in 2022, the Steelers could potentially consider drafting an edge defender as early as the first round in 2023. With a big year, however, Highsmith could cause Omar Khan and the front office to look elsewhere with their top draft choices next year.