Pittsburgh Steelers Preseason: Rookies To Provide Depth at Linebacker

In the matter of one offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers went from a thin linebacker corps to one that is potentially very deep with talent.

Several players showcased their abilities last week against the Detroit Lions and will hope to make a further impression this week against the New York Giants.

They will have to do so to solidify a roster spot because starters LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, and James Harrison are all locks.  It is also unlikely that the Steelers cut ties with backups Larry Foote, Keyaron Fox, and second round draft pick Jason Worilds.

Fox was particularly impressive against the Lions, particularly against the run, and finished with four solo tackles and a pass defended.

That may mean only one roster spot for fourth round selection Thaddeus Gibson and fifth round pick Stevenson Sylvester.

Each player has been a highlight throughout training camp in different ways.

Gibson flashed pass rushing ability throughout practices and demonstrated this last Saturday. He nearly recorded a sack, but the Lions’ quarterback was able to pick up a yard before being stopped by Gibson.

Given the severe lack of depth the Steelers had at outside linebacker last season, Gibson stepping up could be huge.

Though it is unlikely that he will see much, if any time in the base defense, Gibson’s presence could bode well for the future. As for this season, his likely contributions will come on special teams as he learns the defense.

Even so, Gibson stepping up is particularly important considering the injuries Worilds has experienced already and the lack of any backup veteran outside linebacker standing out.

The more interesting prospect, though, has been Sylvester.

The college tape of Sylvester showed that he had a lot of the skills necessary to be a successful NFL player. So far he has not disappointed.

After watching Sylvester in camp and the first preseason game, the Steelers will have to give serious consideration to keeping nine linebackers on the roster instead of eight.

Sylvester, as he showed in camp, was around the ball carrier, always in position to make the stop and finished with a game high seven tackles, four being solo.

One knock on Sylvester was his technique. He easily could have had an additional two or three tackles, but bounced right off of the runner. Improvement in wrapping up the runner is imperative if he is to ever be an every down linebacker.

Adding extra weight should help.

At 6-2 231 pounds, Sylvester has the appearance of being slightly undersized and has room to add some more bulk. In many ways, this is reminiscent of Larry Foote as a rookie, a smart ball player who had trouble tackling in part because he was slightly undersized.

It is unlikely that the Steelers will be able to sneak Sylvester on the practice squad and it would be worth the risk to keep him on as a ninth linebacker. He will also be able to contribute on special teams.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is about allowing the linebackers to make the plays. They currently have four very good ones starting. With the emergence of the rookies, the proud tradition looks to be in good hands.