The Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason program has given way to an early look at how they may construct their roster. Depth charts are slowly taking shape, and players are moving up or down at their respective positions.
From these developments, it has become clear that Malik Harrison is in serious danger of missing out on a roster spot.
Harrison has been replaced on defense by Cole Holcomb and on special teams by Carson Bruener. While the Steelers could just carry four linebackers, historically they have valued their depth at the position... and the latest reunion with Elandon Roberts shows how things are starting to fall into place.
With Harrison so clearly on the outs, it makes a lot of sense for the Steelers to keep Roberts around to fill out their depth chart.
Elandon Roberts could offer the perfect LB depth for the Pittsburgh Steelers if Malik Harrison is on the way out
Roberts had a solid two-year stint in Pittsburgh. While he wasn’t signed to be a true starter, injuries and lackluster play forced him onto the field. Once on the field, it was hard to take him off.
Roberts is what he is at this point. He plays the run well, hits hard, and is a disaster in coverage. At his age, you don’t want him playing a lot of defensive snaps, but having him as an emergency option would be sound.
He knows Pittsburgh from his time here, and he was also a starter on Patrick Graham’s defense last year. He would have no issue getting acclimated midway through training camp.
While he likely wouldn’t be anything more than the fourth linebacker on the depth chart, on a cheap contract that could be well worth it. He also has a special teams background, so he could give you some snaps there if needed.
Harrison proved last year that he wasn’t an effective option on either defense or on special teams. Cutting him makes a lot of sense. I’m all for giving Bruener a shot to get some snaps on defense, but he would be one injury away from a potentially massive role.
Roberts mitigates that risk slightly. You know what you have in him, and while not an all-star, he won’t kill you on defense (especially when playing the run).
You certainly don’t have to rush him onto the field right away. Giving Bruener a long look in the preseason makes sense. If Bruener has taken his game to the next level and if Roberts has declined since his tender in Pittsburgh, keeping a veteran like Roberts on the final roster—a player who logged zero special teams snaps last season—becomes less logical.
If the Steelers aren’t comfortable with Bruener stepping in on defense, though, swapping Harrison for Roberts should be at the top of the team’s to-do list.
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