Undrafted DE/OLB Brandon Lindsey Stays Close to Home with Pittsburgh Steelers

For the first time since 1999, no Pittsburgh Panthers were selected in the NFL Draft. DE/OLB Brandon Lindsey was one of the Pitt players expecting to hear his name called in Radio City Music Hall, but maybe going undrafted will be a blessing in disguise.

It allowed Lindsey to attempt to make a "dream come true" in his words—playing for his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers.

Lindsey told WPXI in Pittsburgh that he picked the Steelers because they were the best fit for him, playing OLB in their 3-4 defense. He was a second-team All-Big East defensive end under Dave Wannstedt in 2010, but converted to the "Panther" LB position under new coach Todd Graham in 2011, so Lindsey has experience playing both standing up and with his hand on the ground. 

Lindsey played his high school ball just outside of Pittsburgh in Aliquippa, home of Darrelle Revis, Ty Law and Mike Ditka. The fit and deep hometown connection isn't the only thing Lindsey has going for him on the Steelers.

While the starters are set with LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison, 2010 second-round pick Jason Worilds hasn't made a splash. There has even been speculation that Worilds could move to inside linebacker. The only other OLB on the roster is Chris Carter, a 2011 fifth-round pick who has as many full offseasons with the team as Lindsey does.

Dan Pompei of the National Football Post put Lindsey on his "all undrafted players team" and indicated that Lindsey not playing "very physically" might have knocked him out of that draft. Physical play is one of the main things that the Steelers' culture will instill in any player.

If he can get over the sting of going undrafted, Lindsey has a terrific role model on the roster in Harrison, who has gone from being undrafted and cut multiple times to being one of the premier outside linebackers in the league.

For now, Lindsey would probably settle for making the team's 53-man opening weekend roster.