5 Steelers under the most pressure entering the 2023 season

3. Cole Holcomb

Next up someone new to the Steelers, hoping to fill a void that's been here since Ryan Shazier's injury: Cole Holcomb.

Holcomb, the former Washington Commander, is coming to Pittsburgh to play at inside linebacker, a position that has haunted the Steelers for years. From Jon Bostic to Devin Bush to Myles Jack, the Steelers have been searching for an adequate option at inside linebacker for over five years now. They're hoping Holcomb can be that player.

Last season was a tough one for Holcomb. He played the first seven games of the season, racking up 69 tackles. He then missed a few games with a nagging foot injury before having season-ending foot surgery in December. However, the 2021 season for Holcomb provides a glimpse into what he is capable of.

Holcomb played in all 16 games in 2021, picking up 142 tackles, 2 interceptions, 7 pass defenses, and 2 forced fumbles. Those are the kind of numbers the Steelers have been desperate to get from their inside linebackers over the past few seasons. Last year's linebacker trio of Devin Bush, Myles Jack, and Robert Spillane combined for 264 tackles, 0 interceptions, 9 pass defenses, and 0 forced fumbles.

Because of the volatility of the inside linebacker position the past five years and his new three year contract, Holcomb is facing an immense amount of pressure for this Steeler's team.