Steelers Insider Thinks Solving The Inside Linebacker Problem Is The #1 Priority

The Pittsburgh Steelers are headed into the draft in a couple of weeks in a great position. New GM, Omar Khan and his assistant, Andy Weidl, have been working hard to sign new players and extend contracts for current players. They have allowed some players to move on to new teams, but even those decisions feel reasonable. All of the new signings have added enough depth to most positions that it doesn't feel like we are desperate for one specific position. This has folks wondering what they will do with their early draft picks. 

Not being desperate doesn't mean that we do not have needs still. There are a few positions where Pittsburgh will need to look for skilled players. Most people feel the priority positions are offensive tackle, cornerback, and linebacker.

Brian Batko from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette discussed the inside linebacker position in his most recent chat.    

Will The Steelers Prioritize Linebacker In The 2023 Draft?

Batko discussed the Steelers' evolving draft philosophy over the past few years. One reader mentioned that it feels like the team usually focuses primarily on a specific position for the first pick, like quarterback with Kenny Pickett or linebacker with Devin Bush. The question was would they focus on a position or will they really go best player available?

"Seems to me they're trying to get away from that. You're right that the last three first-round picks of theirs, it was fairly obvious what they were after, given their roster holes and pre-draft scouting process. Even in 2020 when they took Chase Claypool, I think most of us on the outside expected they'd go WR. This year is much tougher to call, as they've cast a wide net with free agent signings to address the weaker depth areas. 'BPA' [Best Player Available] can mean ACTUALLY 'BPA' more than it has in recent years for sure."

Batko goes on to say that he feels that an inside linebacker is the team's biggest need right now. But how that falls in the draft is a different story. A reader says they see the greatest needs as 1. CB, 2. OT, 3. LB and wonders what Batko thinks.

"Actually, ILB might be No.1 for me, but the problem is it's such a tricky position to draft, making it very unlikely to be their first-rounder (again). OT would be No. 2, corner No. 3. That doesn't mean I'd necessarily address them in that order, though, because positional value is something you have to weigh."

The Steelers cleaned house in the inside linebackers room, letting Devin Bush and Robert Spillane go elsewhere, they released Myles Jack and have not re-signed Marcus Allen. They have brought in two players in free agency - Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. Mark Robinson and Tae Crowder are also still in Pittsburgh.

Batko elaborated further when asked if he agrees with the opinion that the Steelers do not need to draft an inside linebacker because of the Roberts and Holcomb signings. 

"As I alluded to in a previous answer, no, not really. The additions of Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts make it so you don't have to force it, but you could very easily talk me into an inside linebacker who's bigger/faster/has more coverage upside than the current group on the roster (even if it's someone who will take some time to develop)."

After a disappointing couple of years with Bush, after he did not seem to fully recover from his injury, there is still a need for a stud at linebacker. The question remains who and how do they fill that spot? 

What do you think about Batko saying ILB is the top need? Do you think they should prioritize that position over offensive tackle? Over cornerback? Is there an ILB you would like the Steelers to draft? Tell us what's on your mind! Click to comment below. 

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