Brandon Lindsey: Grading Pittsburgh Steelers' Signing of Undrafted Pass-Rusher

The Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the better post-draft signings by moving quickly to sign undrafted pass-rusher Brandon Lindsey. The rush end, who played his collegiate football at Pittsburgh, has the frame, coordination and movement skills to find a role in Dick LeBeau's defense.

Lindsey has the length and speed off the edge to be a natural fit at outside linebacker in the Steelers' 3-4 front. Lindsey played a hybrid position in college and flashed the range and athleticism to make some plays in space.

However, pass-rushing remains his finest attribute and his best route to making the team. The 6'2", 254 pounder has the natural lean and first-step quickness to regularly threaten the edge.

He registered 8.5 sacks in 2011, which was a slight dip on the 10 quarterback takedowns he notched in 2010. It is the lack of overall improvement he showed after a stellar 2010 campaign that played the biggest role in condemning Lindsey to undrafted status.

Poor performances at the combine also damaged his cause. However, Lindsey has the kind of innate pass-rush ability that could quickly endear him to LeBeau.

He uses his hands well, particularly on rip and swim moves. Among the areas of concern in his mechanics is a lack of closing speed if his first step fails to take him past the blocker.

Lindsey tends to rely too much on sudden moves and doesn't often fire into his opponent and create push. However, these are issues more to do with technique rather than talent level.

The Steelers know more than most that gems can be found in the undrafted ranks, with soon-to-be 34-year-old rush linebacker James Harrison being the prime example. No team in football has a better knack for finding a developing 3-4 conversion pass-rushers.

Grade: A

Lindsey's particular skill set has found the perfect home with the Steelers, which should take the sting out of not being drafted. Don't be surprised to see him contribute as a rookie.