Whether the Pittsburgh Steelers re-sign Jason Worilds this off-season or not, one thing is for sure about the team; they need to find another young pass rusher in the draft or free agency.
It would also help the team a lot of that new pass rusher could contribute right away, something not many have done in the Steelers’ defense.
After doing a little bit of research into recently drafted edge rushers, I think it would be wise for the Steelers to seek out a big body at the OLB position this off-season.
While I’m not giving up on him, Jarvis Jones hasn’t done anything to show he’s worth the first round pick the Steelers spent on him. The reason I still have faith though, is that I believe Jarvis simply wasn’t big or strong enough to be an effective OLB at the NFL level as a rookie.
While using a relatively low sample size, you can see from some of the names below that guys that come into the league already “bulked up” don’t have to deal with the speed of the game AND the strength.
The guys below I’ve listed their listed weights at the combine (which is often probably higher than they’re playing weight in college)… Or if it’s a big guy possibly lower. I’ve also give their sack total through their first 2 seasons in the league.
- Jarvis Jones – 245 pounds – 3 sacks in first 2 seasons
- Barkevious Mingo – 241 pounds – 7 sacks
- Jason Worilds – 254 pounds – 5 sacks
- LaMarr Woodley – 266 pounds – 15.5 sacks
- Ziggy Ansah – 270 pounds – 25 sacks
- Aldon Smith – 263 pounds – 32.5 sacks
- Ryan Kerrigan – 267 pounds – 16 sacks
- Jabaal Sheard – 264 pounds – 15.5 sacks
There’s certainly exceptions, Von Miller was 250 pounds and great pass rusher early on. My point though, is I think it’s easier for a bigger guy to come in and contribute early.
It also wouldn’t hurt for the Steelers to balance their defense. With Jarvis Jones and Ryan Shazier on the small side, a big body would be a nice complement long term.
While there’s still plenty of evaluation to be done, I can tell you right now I want no part of the 235 pounds Vic Beasley out of Clemson. He’s going to blow up the combine, but he’s even smaller than Jarvis Jones.
Dante Fowler (270), Alvin Dupree (264), and Owa Odighizuwa (266) are a few guys early on that have piqued my interest. All are big bodies that won’t require a ton of weight room work, that also have enough athleticism to play standing up for the Steelers.
3 comments
The Steelers have been very fortunate to have had as many great OLB’s as we have had. Right now that just isn’t the case i.m.o. Worlids is just average don’t get me wrong an average NFL lb is a pretty awesome specimen. As far as Jones goes i have said this just to slow not strong enough and poor technique. When we drafted him i compared him to Zeke Gadson from Pitt a dominate force in college but lacking the skills to be successful in the NFL. Replacing either of these player shouldn’t be hard right now we are over-paying Worlids and Jones is under preforming. I would think acquiring two OLB’s capable of getting 10+ sacks each would cure what ills the Steelers . We need talent first size and speed will take care of itself.
In an early post my wish list for the NFL draft was Clemmings Pitt, collins cb LSU and Davis Iowa. At first all three were all over the place on most mocks. Looks like my scouting is still there as all 3 are now in the first round on most mocks out there. Looks like i will have to update my list.
I think that Clemmings will go in the 2nd.