Steelers Fan-Favorite Ryan Shazier Absolutely Loves Mark Robinson "I Think Mark Has A Very High Ceiling"

The Pittsburgh Steelers knew they had a stud at linebacker when Ryan Shazier was drafted by the organization in the first round of the 2014 NFL Drat. The 15th overall selection was expected to be the next great Steelers' linebacker. Before his devastating injury in 2017, he failed to start more than 12 games in a season, but was still a force on the field and a pivotal part of the defense. The team hasn't had a presence at inside linebacker like Shazier since his career came to a screeching halt on Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals.

While the former linebacker was forced to retire due to his injuries, he has made an extremely positive impact on the community. His inspirational story is a hard one to forget. Some believed he would never walk again, but the two-time Pro Bowler has thrived despite not being able to play the sport that he grew up loving. 

Shazier joined Kaleb Everhart and former Steelers' offensive lineman, Derwin Gray on the Three Point Stance podcast presented by SteelerNation.com. The fan-favorite discussed a plethora of topics. Shazier knows what it's like to play inside linebacker for Pittsburgh and Everhart asked him about second-year player and former seventh-round selection, Mark Robinson. 

He not only was high on the linebacker's abilities, but related him to thumper, Vince Williams. Shazier believes if he understands his role, he could be a very good fit in Defensive Coordinator, Teryl Austin and Head Coach, Mike Tomlin's defense.

"I think Mark has a very high ceiling. The one thing, if he's a Vince type of guy, if he understands, 'Hey, I'm a two-down backer, man I'm really good at stopping the run,' man that's very valuable in the NFL. Especially when you're going against teams with Derrick Henrys, with Saquon Barkleys, with Bijan Robinsons."

Robinson got some opportunities to get in-game action late in his rookie season and while he didn't play many snaps, he showed in the 2022 preseason that he has some serious run-stuffing capabilities. Shazier continued to remark on Robinson's ability to stop the run and believes that it could be an incredible advantage for the defense in 2023 and beyond.

"If you can have a guy come in and make a difference as a young linebacker who can come in here and set the tone at stopping the run, that's really huge."

Don't label Robinson as simply a two-down linebacker and special teams player this early in his career, however. The Steelers could absolutely end up using him in a more expanded role according to Shazier. If he buys in now and succeeds, it could lead to even more opportunities and responsibilities for the second-year player.

"I think Mark has a high ceiling and just needs to understand his role and as he continues to get better in his role in special teams, in stopping the run, then that's when they give you more opportunity to stop the pass, to get in there on third down."

The Steelers May Have A Diamond In the Rough With Robinson

Robinson only appeared in four games during his rookie season and ended up finishing with nine total tackles. Despite the signings of Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb in free agency, the middle of the defense is wide open and full of potential opportunities. Robinson has a chance to become the permanent solution for a long time and getting the stamp of approval from Shazier is huge. If he buys into his current role and continues to get better, he may just end up being the Steelers next great linebacker.

Do you have faith in Robinson to make a difference for the Steelers' defense? Let us know in the comments below!

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