4 moves that would turn Steelers' inside linebacker unit into one of the NFL's best

2) Spend a high draft pick on an inside linebacker

The Steelers should run to the podium to draft Clemson product Trenton Simpson if he’s available at pick 17. Simpson, who played in 33 games and racked up 165 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 13.0 sacks during his three seasons with the Tigers, also has good size (6-3, 225) and blazing speed (4.39 in the 40). Adding him alongside Edmunds would give Pittsburgh two of the biggest and fastest inside linebackers in the league. So, I love this idea!

However, Simpson may not be there at 17, in which case the Steelers could use their first pick on another position of need and come back with an off-ball linebacker selection at pick 32. Arkansas’ Drew Sanders and/or Oregon’s Noah Sewell could be available with the first pick of the second round, and either would be an enticing addition to the Steelers' defense.

Sanders (6-5, 233) also has great size and speed (4.53), but he was just a role player his first two seasons at Alabama before transferring to Arkansas prior to last season. He was an Edge performer for the Crimson Tide, but moved inside for the Razorbacks and blossomed as a result. He rang up 103 total tackles (40 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, five passes defensed and forced three fumbles as a hybrid LB/Edge last season. His versatility could also provide depth to the Steelers’ group of Edge rushers if needed.

Sewell (6-3, 251) is also a good-sized player with 4.58 speed and has more experience playing inside than Sanders. The younger brother of Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, Noah played in 33 games for the Ducks over three seasons and finished his career there with 105 solo tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, nine passes defensed and three forced fumbles. He also contributed two interceptions and a fumble recovery.