Rookies that could have bigger roles with the Steelers in year two

Robinson could be forced into a starting role at inside linebacker

One of the seventh-round selections this past draft was Mark Robinson out of Old Miss. He was new to the linebacker position and looked to be a project at the next level. The Steelers took a gamble and took him in the final round of the draft with the hope of seeing progress from this rookie throughout the year.

Some might have liked Pittsburgh to attack the middle linebacker spot earlier in the draft. The team was relying on Myles Jack and Devin Bush to come into the season and push to be a dynamic duo. Instead, they got an underwhelming free agent addition in Jack and a continued bust in Bush.

That pushed Robert Spillane to get a lot of snaps throughout this past campaign as well, which no one likes to see. It got ugly in the middle of this defense throughout the schedule. That allowed Robinson to get a couple of opportunities on defense during the end portion of the year, which showed mixed results.

Fans love his physicality, but he has a lot of work ahead of him before he can be guaranteed a starting spot. The black and gold might not have a choice but to start him next season, especially if Jack, Bush, and Spillane are gone. That outcome would shove Robinson into a starting role heading into training camp.