East-West Shrine Bowl: Top players for the Steelers to watch

Charlie Thomas could be a developmental selection by the Steelers in 2023

Inside linebacker needs to be addressed either in free agency or the early rounds of the draft. Looking at different prospects in the later rounds should also be considered as not only will starters be gone this offseason, but depth will be depleted too. There are some interesting prospects at the East-West Shrine Bowl that could interest the Steelers.

Devin Bush and Robert Spillane continued to be the weakest links on the roster for the black and gold. Both are scheduled to become free agents and Bush seems like a sure bet to be leaving the franchise that drafted him. Spillane could always return, but that marriage should be over if you ask most fans.

Perhaps addressing the need at inside linebacker both via free agency and the draft would be the best idea. Charlie Thomas is an interesting player as he is too lean to be a true inside linebacker at the next level, but his flexibility could interest the Steelers. Marcus Allen has a similar build to Thomas, but this player is much more experienced at the linebacker position entering his NFL career.

Thomas is weighing around 211 pounds currently as he stands at 6’2. He is going to struggle to get off blocks at the next level, but a late-round pick on this player could provide a defense some options on coverage downs. This linebacker out of Georgia Tech put up monster numbers in his final year at college, including over 100 tackles and two interceptions.

The Steelers will keep a close eye on the East-West Shrine Bowl as it kicks off this Thursday. The week full of practices that have led up to this game has given Pittsburgh a lot of opportunities to monitor these prospects.