Odds that we don't take an OLB early

[Shoe]

If you asked us all last year, the chances of us not taking a CB would've been pretty low...

I just don't think it is the need that it seems (the FO) thinks it is. We got Harrison, who will give veteran leadership and (hopefully) spurts of his past greatness. We have Jarvis Jones, who should (as long as he stays healthy) produce a 6-8 sack season. Behind them, we have Moats, the young kid Howard Jones, the CFL guy, Zumwalt... not to mention a guy like Shazier. Which reminds me... we have a strong set of ILBs including Shazier, Vince Williams, Spence, and Timmons. That depth should bleed into our OLB competition, and really produce a healthy, spirited environment among the whole LB corps.

If we can refrain from taking an OLB, I just think we can add someone right away, who can help us out.

[K Train]

Shazier will rush quite often I am sure, timmons is a hell of a blitzer but a poor OLB...theres a big difference. I think OLB might clearly be their #1 target this draft...if they add a Randy Gregory or Shane Ray (or even Odighizuwa or Harold) they are really adding some great value to the pass rush. Moats is solid, Jones has offered good play against the run and setting the edge (pressure on him to get after the QB this year though) and Harrison should be kept very very fresh so a rotation is absolutely necessary.

Vince and Spence offer very little at OLB, it doesnt necessarily bleed over. If they want to truly be more multiple a guy like Gregory or Ray would be great (could play OLB in a 34 or SAM in a 43) or Odighizuwa (who could play DE in a 43, DE in 34, and OLB in a 34....highly unique).

I too value pass rush over CB....i feel theres a lot more value at pass rusher in the first round then there is in 2 or 3 when you consider the idea of landing Josh Shaw or IEO in the next two round (Shaw being among my favorite players in the entire draft, he would be a fan favorite here because imo hes a special player that is being dropped down because of a very bizarre balcony story)

[Shawn]

I think Moats will prove he is one of the most underrated players in the league.

[K Train]

I think Moats will prove he is one of the most underrated players in the league.

Hopefully...i think hes more "fine" than underrated. There is just a lot of unknown and going in to the season relying on Zumwalt or Howard Jones would even as a reserve is a mistake....if one of them wants to play they need to explode in the pre season and show they belong in the league.

Moats is either a low end starter or a high end backup right now....he can move the needle either way

[Slapstick]

I've said it before and I'll say it once more:

When Moats is used at 3-4 OLB, the guy makes plays. IMO, he will end up being the Kelvin Beachum of the defense...

[Shawn]

I've said it before and I'll say it once more:

When Moats is used at 3-4 OLB, the guy makes plays. IMO, he will end up being the Kelvin Beachum of the defense...

Exactly. I was really impressed with him.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Hopefully our current #55 and current #95 can live up to famous #55 and #95 outside pass rushers in black and gold from the past.

[Discipline of Steel]

I still think our CB situation is dire straights and #1 need while OLB could use some talent but the cupboard is not quite bare.
Doesnt mean we will draft either position in the first though.

[phillyesq]

The Steelers can't go wrong addressing the secondary or the OLB position early in the draft. What surprising me when looking at the visit list is how much the Steelers have been looking into a lot of potential first round receivers.

[Chadman]

Interesting player they had in- Preston Smith. He's definately a DE, possibly more a 4-3 DE, but with him & Xavier Cooper being the only real DL brought in- both expected to go Round 2, both more the upfield pocket closing pass-rush types- I wonder if the value of a pass rush "package" D-Lineman is increasing for the Steelers?

Could a guy like Smith be drafted to be a prominant Nickle/Dime DL, and a rotational 3-4 DE? Is that good value if he comes up with regular pressure & or ssck numbers?

[hawaiiansteel]

Interesting player they had in- Preston Smith. He's definately a DE, possibly more a 4-3 DE, but with him & Xavier Cooper being the only real DL brought in- both expected to go Round 2, both more the upfield pocket closing pass-rush types- I wonder if the value of a pass rush "package" D-Lineman is increasing for the Steelers?

Could a guy like Smith be drafted to be a prominant Nickle/Dime DL, and a rotational 3-4 DE? Is that good value if he comes up with regular pressure & or ssck numbers?

I read that the Steelers were in a 4-3 nickel defense over 50% of the time last season.

drafting penetrators like Xavier Cooper or Preston Smith to add some DL depth would actually make a lot of sense...

[hawaiiansteel]

James C Wexell @jimwexell -

Preston Smith visits the #Steelers. Finally, an asskicker who can play OLB in their "base" and DE in their nickel.

Smith also played one-gap nose on passing downs. An underrated player.” -- yes, saw him sack LSU as NT.

[URL]https://twitter.com/jimwexell[/URL]

[Chadman]

At nearly 275lbs, he might be too big for OLB, but then Parnell McPhee was 280lbs...he could be used in a number of ways.

[Chadman]

The more I look, the more I like. I'm contemplating bumping him up as the Steelers #1 pick.

[K Train]

Preston Smith better not be the first round pick lol...jesus

I would cry