The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to not add to the inside linebacker room during the 2023 NFL Draft has been well documented, as the team elected to focus on other positions of need such as offensive tackle and cornerback instead. With that being said, there are still questions as to whether or not the team has done enough this offseason to ensure the depth is adequately addressed at the position.
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Bob Labriola, during his most recent installment of "Asked and Answered," on steelers.com took the time to share his opinions on the inside linebacker group.
"The issue here is that at this point not enough is known about how many inside linebackers or inside-linebacker-capable players the Steelers already have on their roster. A few of the names are obvious. UFA signings Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, plus second-year pro Mark Robinson," Labriola said about the depth at inside linebacker for the Steelers.
Labriola raises a fair point with his thoughts, as often times the Steelers deploy a defensive formation in which players are out of their normal position, such as Terrell Edmunds playing down in the box as a "linebacker" during his time in Pittsburgh. With Edmunds leaving in free agency this offseason, newly signed safety, Keanu Neal may play a similar role for the defense in 2023.
"But as one example, where does Keanu Neal fit into this group? Who will emerge as the slot cornerback(s)? Will they factor into some of the inside linebacker responsibilities in certain situations? I understand fans have questions, but so many of the questions have no definitive answers at this time, and it's part of the plan to have no definitive answers at this time," Labriola answered.
The Steelers Have Plenty Of "Inside-Linebacker Capable Players" On The Roster
As Labriola points out, NFL defenses are much more complex than fans realize. With offenses relying heavily on their pass game, the Steelers may have as many as six defensive backs on the field together in 2023 to help defend the downfield passing game. Consequently, the need for off-ball linebackers to play every down is not necessary and is a possible reason why the team has chosen to not add any additional players at the position.
Furthermore, this is why Neal may play a critical role next year, as he provides flexibility in being a traditional safety as well as a down-in-the-box "linebacker." Tanner Muse, a fellow free agent signing this offseason, is another candidate to play multiple roles for the defense next season. Originally a safety during his time at Clemson, Muse has transitioned to playing linebacker in the NFL. His sideline-to-sideline speed may serve as an opportunity for him to get on the field.
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At this point in the offseason, the Steelers are months away from implementing specific defensive schemes to help maximize the level of play with the current players on their roster. Additionally, as Labriola describes, it will take "trial and error" from the coaches over the course of the 2023 season to create a defense that is top-notch.
"How the Steelers try to develop their available personnel into a group that develops enough versatility and compatibility to play the kind of situational football NFL offenses force you to be prepared to play will be an evolving situation," Labriola described.
In order for the Steelers to continue their success on the defensive side of the ball next season, it will take a collective effort from all positional groups. With a deep group of players along the defensive front to go along with an elite pass-rushing duo in TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, the Steelers are well-equipped to be effective at both defending the pass and stopping the run in 2023.
As long as the level of play from their inside linebackers such as Holcomb, Roberts and Robinson is sub-par, the team will be competitive. The Steelers are also much improved in the defensive back room next season, as the team was able to re-sign Damontae Kazee and draft Joey Porter Jr.
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Final Thoughts
The concerns from fans regarding the depth at inside linebacker are absolutely fair, as the team has had a revolving door at the position over the last few years. However, with the NFL defenses' seemingly adopting an era of "positionless' football, the Steelers' current group of off-ball linebackers may be just fine. While none of them are household names, the defense already has All-Pro-caliber players at other areas of their defense such as Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick, in addition to Watt and Highsmith. There is still a long way to go until games start, Steeler Nation. The coaching staff will be more than prepared by then to help the defense be as dominant as possible in 2023.
What are Yinz thoughts on Labriola's comments regarding the inside linebacker position? Do you feel comfortable with the current group of players? Let us know in the comments!
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