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The following is the sixth of seven Pittsburgh Steelers position analyses for the 2024 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday:
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
Current roster: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Kyron Johnson, Jeremiah Moon, David Perales
Last five drafts: Herbig (2023, fourth round) was a nice addition to the team last year, backing up Highsmith (2020, third round). Sutton Smith (2019, sixth round) didn't last long with the team.
Top outside linebackers (edge rushers) available: Jared Verse, Florida State; Dallas Turner, Alabama; Laiatu Latu, UCLA; Chris Braswell, Alabama; Chop Robinson, Penn State
Penn State/Pitt players: Robinson could be selected toward the end of the first round. PSU's Adisa Isaac is projected to be a third-rounder.
Possible Steelers picks: Probably no outside linebackers
Analysis: Herbig had such a promising rookie season, and with a lot of money tied up in Watt and Highsmith, the Steelers probably won't select an outside linebacker in this year's draft. They could sign a veteran free agent -- Bud Dupree and Markus Golden are still available -- to add depth.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Current roster: Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson, Tyler Murray
Last five drafts: Robinson (2022, seventh round) hasn't quite made it past backup status. Buddy Johnson (2021, fourth round) was a disappointment and ended up with the Cowboys. Devin Bush Jr. (2019, first round) will go down as one of the biggest busts in Steelers draft history. Ulysees Gilbert (2019, sixth round) played in 28 games in three seasons with the team.
Top inside linebackers available: Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M; Junior Colson, Michigan; Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson; Payton Wilson, N.C. State
Penn State/Pitt players: PSU's Curtis Jacobs could go somewhere in rounds 4-6. Pitt's Shayne Simon is not expected to be drafted.
Possible Steelers picks: Colson, Trotter Jr., Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State; J.D. Bertrand, Notre Dame
Analysis: The offseason signing of Queen answered many questions for the Steelers at inside linebacker. He should pair with Roberts to help give the team its best inside linebacking duo in some time. However, the depth is in question with Holcomb coming off a major injury and Robinson not showing he can be a starter. For those reasons, the Steelers could use their fourth-round pick (Colson, Trotter) or one of their two sixth-rounders (Eichenberg, Bertrand) on an inside linebacker.
Coming Wednesday: Defensive backs