With the 2023 NFL Draft officially over, the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster is beginning to become more clear as to who will make the 53-man squad in August. The team has done exceedingly well in filling positions of need such as offensive line and cornerback. One position that has also been addressed is inside linebacker, as the team has signed free agents Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, and Tanner Muse in addition to Mark Robinson, the lone remaining inside linebacker who was on the 2022 team.
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Steelers Elandon Roberts Is Among The Favorites To Start At ILB In 2023
As of now, these will be your top four players at the position heading in to the 2023 season. Historically speaking, the Steelers normally keep anywhere from four to six inside linebackers on the active roster during the regular season, meaning that the team could afford to add another player to the group prior to the start of training camp. One name that many have pointed to as a possible answer is former Steelers' linebacker, Myles Jack, who led the team in total tackles last season.
While the idea re-signing of Jack makes sense to some, Steelers' insider, Gerry Dulac is not one of them. During a recent chat transcript posted on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Dulac took the time to answer questions regarding the current roster construction of the team. One question in particular dealt with the Steelers' depth at inside linebacker, to which the viewer asked if Omar Khan and the front office would have any interest in re-signing defensive end, Chris Wormley, along with Jack.
"About as likely as signing me to be defensive assistant. They drafted a DL, signed another in free agency, so that eliminates Wormley. And they brought in two ILB's in free agency so that eliminates Jack," answered Dulac in regard to the possibility of a reunion with either Wormley or Jack.
Should The Steelers Feel Comfortable With Their Depth At Inside Linebacker?
Dulac inarguably raises a fair point. Is there really any merit in re-signing Jack after the additions of Holcomb and Roberts? While Jack was solid for the Steelers in 2022 when healthy, he failed to make the type of splash plays one would expect from an off-ball linebacker. Furthermore, the release of Jack may have signified the team's confidence in Robinson, who was impressive in limited action last season. During the chat transcript, Dulac echoed this sentiment.
"No [Myles] Jack. But Robinson will get a big look to see how much he has learned in year 2. [Elandon] Roberts is just a one-year stop gap who could be ousted as a starter if Robinson makes that jump. He certainly looked good in his limited appearances last year," explained Dulac.
Robinson is perhaps one of the biggest question marks for the Steelers heading in to next season. Should he make a significant jump and expand his ability to play all three downs, he may have the opportunity to play a large majority of the defensive snaps in 2023. However, this should be considered a big "if," as Robinson is only a few years removed from playing running back during his collegiate career. He did not start playing linebacker until 2021. What Robinson lacks in versatility, he makes up for in physicality and speed. With a full offseason under his belt, Mike Tomlin and the entire coaching staff may be expecting big things out of him next season.
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Steelers' ILB, Mark Robison Could See An Increase In Snaps In 2023
A Forgotten Player At Inside Linebacker Could Surprise Steelers' Fans Next Season
While Holcomb, Roberts, Robinson, and Muse are getting most of the attention at inside linebacker, there is another player on the roster who may end up having a bigger impact in 2023 than what many people realize, Tae Crowder. Crowder was signed to the Steelers' 53-man roster late last season from the New York Giants practice squad, but did not see any playing time.
During his first three seasons in the NFL, Crowder has amassed over 220 total tackles, including a career-high 130 in 2021, to go along with nine tackles for loss, and eight passes defended over the course of his career. He has 31 career starts, all with the Giants. Originally a seventh-round pick out of Georgia in 2020, Crowder has exceeded expectations in his young career thus far and may have a legitimate shot of cracking the 53-man roster for the Steelers in 2023 if he can prove his worth on special teams. Do not be surprised if Crowder is your fifth inside linebacker next season. His name is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
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Steelers' ILB, Tae Crowder Has A Chance To Make The Roster In 2023
Thoughts On The Inside Linebacker Group?
How do you feel about Jack most likely not being re-signed? Do you think Holcomb and Roberts are the long-term answer at inside linebacker? How about Robinson and Crowder? Do you think either of them could start for the defense next season? Let us know in the comments!
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