Steelers Need to Address Depth Behind TJ Watt And Alex Highsmith, But Who Is Available Without An Ego?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a great offseason thus far by adding pieces to match the identity of physicality for the upcoming 2023 season. General manager, Omar Khan addressed the defensive side of the ball by signing a pair of linebackers and safeties, a veteran cornerback and multiple defensive linemen. 

Nevertheless, there is one position that has yet to be addressed during the offseason and that is a true pass rusher and outside linebacker to back up TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. The Steelers signed Tanner Muse, but he was primarily a special teams player in 2022. Last season, there was a large sample size of what the pass rush and defense in general looks like without Watt. In simple terms, a pass rusher is needed to help preserve Watt and Highsmith.

Who Is Still Available For The Steelers In Free Agency? 

For the first couple of weeks in free agency, the Steelers were in the mix to bring back former first round pick, Bud Dupree to help fill the role of a backup edge rusher. Dupree came in for a visit, but unfortunately ended up signing with the Atlanta Falcons. With Dupree being off the market, who is available for Pittsburgh prior to the draft? Some known players that are available and can come in for a supporting role include Justin Houston, Kyle Van Noy, Robert Quinn and Carl Nassib.

These guys will accept a role that doesn't include being a starter and also help contribute when Watt or Highsmith need a breather. One thing the Steelers don't want or need is a 'me first' type of player. The Steelers experienced this with Melvin Ingram III in 2021, who said he was willing to help the team in any way, but ultimately demanded a trade due to lack of playing time. 

For the same reason, Jadeveon Clowney joins that category. It's hard to believe that Clowney would accept a backup role, even at this stage of his career. So where does this leave the Steelers? 

What Picks Will Be Allocated To Help Address This Need? 

As of now, the Steelers have a total of seven picks during the 2023 NFL Draft. Speculation and expectation is that the Steelers will select an offensive tackle and defensive back with picks 17 and 32. Let's say those speculations are true, when can fans see a pass rusher come off the board to the Steelers? Realistically, the 49th pick is where certain names may come into play. 

Pittsburgh should take a serious look at a few pass rushers during the draft and have a realistic opportunity to land one of them. The three players to look out for in that early-to-mid-rounds rounds are Andre Carter II (Army) Nick Herbig (Wisconsin) and KJ Henry (Clemson). Carter had 15 sacks in 2022 for Army and was named an AP All-American. 

He has good length, is an aggressive tackler and can play in pass coverage if needed. Herbig finished with 11 sacks last season for the Badgers. He is a great pass rusher, can drop into coverage and plays with a high motor. Henry is a very physical player. He can set the edge and shed blockers in the run game, speed in open space and length to disrupt passing lanes. 

One thing is for certain, a healthy Watt and Highsmith will allow the defense to wreak havoc during the 2023 season and especially during the playoff push in late December and January. Thus, depth behind them on the edge is needed. So #SteelerNation, what do you think about the depth at pass rusher? Do you like these prospects to potentially be drafted by Pittsburgh? Lets us know in the comments below.