It may seem like the Pittsburgh Steelers were just putting the cap on their 2022 season but believe it or not Training Camp is right around the corner. As the Steelers prepare for their trip East to Latrobe, we’re getting ready too. We’ll be previewing the 90 players participating at St. Vincent College position by position. In this article we look at the outside linebackers.
Currently on the Roster
Markus Golden – 9th year
Nick Herbig – Rookie
Alex Highsmith – 4th year
Toby Ndukwe – Rookie
David Perales – Rookie
T.J. Watt – 7th year
Markus Golden
Golden has played in 33 of 34 games the last two seasons starting 19 of those. Two seasons ago he collected 11 sacks but fell off to just 2.5 last year. He’s largely been feast or famine throughout his career. He’s collected double-digit sacks three times but had no more than 4.5 in any other season. Golden has to understand his role. He’s not here to be a starter. He’s here to spell both T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith as he is talented enough to play both sides. Should he need to make a start he’s more than capable.
2022 stats:
17 games
2.5 sacks
20 QB hits
Nick Herbig
Herbig has the unfortunate label of “played at Wisconsin.” I say that because as an outside linebacker for the Badgers, it’s only natural to be compared to T.J. Watt. Now Herbig finds himself on the same roster as Watt. Therefore the comparisons are going to only be more often. I’m not going to lie, I thought the Steelers reached a bit for Herbig in the fourth round, but they did so for two reasons. One, they were desperate for OLB depth and two they love the upside. He must add some weight and strength without it affecting his speed and flexibility. He’s athletic and experienced enough to where he could be used in some unique specialty packages.
2022 stats (at Wisconsin):
47 tackles
11.5 sacks
16 tackles for loss
Alex Highsmith
By this point you’re well aware that Highsmith is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Both sides would like to get something done but each side also has a position to hold. The Steelers already have tons of defensive money allocated to Watt, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick. There’s no way they can afford another monster contract here. If you’re Highsmith however, you know you’re on the rise and will likely get more money in free agency even with a “decent” season. On the field, Highsmith is the perfect ‘Robin’ to Watt’s ‘Batman.’ He gets consistent pressure and has become tremendous run stopper as well.
UPDATE 7/19: Highsmith and the Steelers have agreed to a four-year extension worth $68 million.
2022 stats:
14.5 sacks
5 forced fumbles
20 QB hits
Toby Ndukwe
He had a really strong OTAs where his athleticism was on display. He’s pretty raw and will need a lot of seasoning and work. At 6’1″ he’s a bit on the smallish side for an EDGE rusher but we’ve seen guys like this stick with the team before.
David Perales
The Fresno State product went undrafted despite having a huge senior campaign for the Bulldogs. He collected 11.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, had a pick and forced two fumbles. Don’t be surprised if this kid shines in Camp. He’s your classic “high motor” guy who plays through the whistle. He will need to find a home on Special Teams in order to be considered for the roster but he’s my dark horse guy to do big things in Latrobe.
T.J. Watt
What really needs to be said here? His absence last year following the pectoral injury was glaring and unsurprising. I don’t believe he ever got to 100% health last year but he’s to be credited for playing through that. I expect his fire and drive to be at an all-time high this season. He doesn’t like seeing other guys mentioned ahead of him as the best pass rushers so I’m planning on seeing big things from him.
2022 stats:
10 games
5.5 sacks
1 forced fumble
Roster Projections
Watt, Golden, Highsmith, Herbig
Perales, Ndukwe – Practice Squad
