Leighton Vander Esch had Pre-Draft Visit with the Steelers

By Logan Leslie
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Updated: April 9, 2018

Although the Steelers did not report any visits on Saturday it seems as though they did. According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette Boise State ILB Leighton Vander Esch had a visit on April 7th.

The 6’4” 250 pound linebacker has been a very hot name for the Steelers this offseason following the devastating injury Ryan Shazier suffered which will keep him out for the entirety of next season. Steelers did sign former Colts ILB and leading tackler, Jon Bostic this offseason to a 2 year deal. Bostic may only be a place holder at the position if the Steelers do indeed draft Vander Esch or another inside linebacker with the 28th overall pick.

Vander Esch is an outstanding prospect despite only playing one season as a full time starter. He is a big, long and athletic linebacker who has been compared to Luke Kuechly by some scouts. Esch was the 2017 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and team captain. He was also the Mountain West Championship Game MVP with 16 tackles and a game-sealing interception. The first-team all-conference pick totaled 141 tackles, 8.5 for loss, four sacks, four pass breakups, and four forced fumbles in his junior season. The situation with Esch playing only one season as a starter is very similar to TJ Watt entering last year’s draft and we saw that gamble pay off large dividends. With Bostic on the roster Esch could play a part time role this upcoming season and improve his craft. Great choice if he is there at number 28.