With the 102nd pick in the 2020 draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Alex Highsmith, outside linebacker from Charlotte. Pittsburgh’s depth at the edge position was a serious concern entering the draft. Highsmith offers them a high upside player who provides depth at the position while fitting the Steelers style of play.
How Alex Highsmith Fits With the Pittsburgh Steelers
Outside Linebacker Depth
The first obvious need that Alex Highsmith fills is depth behind starting outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree. Those two developed into one of the top outside linebacker duos in the league last year. However, they also both played over 90 percent of the defensive snaps. Behind them, the team only has totally unproven backups Tuzar Skipper and Olasunkanmi Adeniyi. With the high motor Watt plays with, he especially is exposed to potential bumps and bruises over the course of a game and season. Highsmith should come in right away and be a better rotational option than both Skipper and Adeniyi.
In a post-draft interview, Highsmith stated that Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin told him part of his year one role would be backing up Dupree and Watt. He should have no problem being productive in that role.
Potential Future Starter
Bud Dupree signed his franchise tender and will be in Pittsburgh this year, but any years beyond are uncertain. There is a high probability the Steelers cannot afford Dupree next year, in which case he will walk. If this course of action unfolds, Highsmith has the potential to slide in and become a full-time starter as Dupree’s replacement. Granted, when talking about drafting Highsmith, Colbert insisted that the team is still committed to working on a long term deal with Dupree.
Though he is loaded with potential, there are still a few areas in which Highsmith is lacking. He will probably need to add some size to his frame and get a little stronger at the point of attack. His speed kills as a pass rusher, but when an NFL tackle gets a good hold of him, he is probably not going to fight them off. This is especially a concern in the running game, which is why most of Highsmith’s defensive snaps this year will probably come on passing downs. The extra year as a backup will give Highsmith time to add size and strength if he is ultimately asked to become a starter in 2021.
Special Teams
In the same interview as mentioned earlier, Highsmith said Colbert and Tomlin told him that his other role would be contributing on special teams. This is no surprise, as Highsmith has the athletic traits to contribute on kickoff and kick return teams at the very least, helping a Pittsburgh special teams that has not been great in recent years. If Highsmith can come in and embrace the special teams role, his value to the team will skyrocket in year one.
Main Image:
