Steelers LB depth chart predictions
Overall, the worst position in terms of weakness on this roster remains at middle linebacker. Khan and his front office tried to turn things around with a new room this year, but it still lacks quality and remains a quantity-driven position right now. The Steelers could still look for outside options for potential upgrades, and that is probably the best course of action.
First team: Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts
Cole Holcomb is going to be the top dog in the linebacker group for this season unless something unexpected happens. Elandon Roberts will likely get a lot of chances to become the second linebacker on the field when this defense calls for it. Both are run stuffers, but their coverage abilities are lacking with Roberts struggling more in that aspect than Holcomb.
Second team: Nick Kwiatkoski and Tanner Muse
Linebacker was a position that got targeted early and often in free agency for the Steelers. Tanner Muse is mostly a special teams guy, but rumor has it that coaches have liked what they have seen in practice with his coverage abilities. Nick Kwiatkoski could be a Tyler Matakevich-type player as he can play special teams and start if you need him to.
Third team: Mark Robinson and Chapelle Russell
It is unlikely that Chapelle Russell makes this roster, let alone climbs the depth chart throughout the pre-season. Mark Robinson is kind of a shocker to start this low on the depth chart, but it would be a motivational move by the coaches. He will not start for this team, at least early on, but he could carve at a significant role if he has a good start to the year.