Steelers mock draft round 4 (via LAR): Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
The Steelers were essentially signing guys off the street to play linebacker for them in 2023, and they can't get into a position where this is the case again. Obviously, some season-ending injuries uprooted their plans at the position, but this also makes the outlook a bit shakey at the position entering the 2024 offseason.
Both Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander suffered season-ending leg injuries in the middle of the 2023 season. Holcomb has the biggest contract of the group and is expected to play a big role moving forward. However, he might not be ready to compete by the start of training camp.
Meanwhile, Alexander is no longer under contract, and after suffering a ruptured Achilles at his age, it's hard to determine what his role could be on the team even if he does return. I do like what Elandon Roberts offers as the downhill linebacker, but he's not a player who should be on the field for every down. Outside of Holcomb and Roberts, the depth on the Steelers roster is poor at the LB position.
If Pittsburgh waits until the fourth round to get their linebacker, Cedric Gray could be an option. The North Carolina standout was a senior in 2023 and has been very productive in each of the past three seasons -- earning 365 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, and 5 interceptions during this time, according to Sports Reference.