Welcome to our annual Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Profiles! Each of these articles will feature all of the positions in the game of football and more importantly, the top-rated players at these positions and those that the Steelers may be interested in! This one features the Outside Linebackers.
Laiatu Latu – UCLA, 6’4″ 260lbs
His future is 100% dependent on how team doctors view his medicals… Severe neck injury while at Washington forced him into ‘medical retirement…’ Transferred to UCLA and was cleared to play… Ideal NFL frame… Able to play from either the 2-point stance or 3-point stance… Does an above average job in coverage when he drops… Consistent motor that wears down opposing blockers… Already has a variety of pass rush moves to rely on… Arm length is a bit of a concern… There is some ‘bend’ there but I’m not sure how good it is versus NFL tackles… Not the greatest athlete but you can’t ignore his production.
Our Projection: Late First Round
Dallas Turner – Alabama, 6’4″ 242lbs
Five-Star athlete that saw continued growth at Bama… Ridiculous athletic skills… Good arm length… Already adept at setting the edge against the run… Classic speed to power transition… Wicked first-step causes immediate problems for blockers… Can drop into coverage or sprint out to the flats quite well… Might need to add a little bulk in the NFL… Has some pass rush moves but will need to improve with his hands… Finding consistency in his game will be his biggest challenge at the next level.
Our Projection: Mid to Late First Round
Jared Verse – Florida State, 6’4″ 260lbs
Highly athletic player with five seasons of college experience… Played mostly in a three-point stance at Florida State but could be tasked with playing more upright on the edge… Extreme functional strength… Uses his hands well at the point of contact… I think he possesses the right amount of ‘bend’ to play outside… Another guy with a tremendous first step that rattles blockers… High-motor guy who plays through the whistle and never stops pursuing… Can sometimes miss tackles in the backfield that should be rather pedestrian… Recognition of plays developing in front of him needs improvement… If he cleans up some inconsistencies he could be really good… Success will likely depend on where and how a team chooses to play him.
Our Projection: Mid to Late First Round
Bralen Trice – Washington, 6’4″ 270lbs
After limited action during his first two years at Washington he immediately saw an increase in play and provided tremendous production… Good size and ideal NFL frame… Classic speed to power dominance… Above average technician with his hands on pass rush… Sets a strong edge against the run but has work to do as a run stopper… Pretty good athletically but didn’t have a good Combine… Has some two-point stance potential but I think he’s a ‘hand in the dirt’ kind of guy… There’s definite concern about his ‘bend’ or lack thereof.
Our Projection: Mid-Second
Chop Robinson – Penn State, 6’3″ 250lbs
Played 13 games as a freshman at Maryland before transferring to State College… Tremendous motor and energy… Extremely athletic for his size… Great first step… Very strong and powerful… Really good ‘bend’ around the edges… Needs to enhance his pass rushing techniques and overall skill set in general/Relies too much on power or speed… Needs to incorporate both… Not sure of his ability to cover but seems to be athletic enough to do it well… I think his ceiling is still quite high and will likely be a stand-up EDGE guy.
vs Illinois, Ohio State
Our Projection: Mid to Late First Round
Jonah Elliss – Utah, 6’2′ 243lbs
Father was Luther Elliss who had a great career for the Detroit Lions over 10 seasons… Has three brothers currently in the NFL… Tremendous first step… Plays with aggression and sets the edge well despite smaller size… Football I.Q. is off the charts likely due to family… High motor and pursues with tenacity… Really tough and physical but some will worry about his smaller size… Powerful blockers can have their way with them at times… He’s more than willing against the run but he has a lot of improvement to do… I see him as a pass rush specialist and special teams player early in his career.
vs UCLA, Oregon State
Our Projection: Third Round
Adisa Isaac 6’4″ 250lbs
Torn Achilles cost him his 2021 season… Versatile pass rusher who seems comfortable with both two and three-point stances… Long arms and powerful frame that may have room for more… Decent hand usage which will get better with coaching… Lacks consistency in stopping the run… Needs to play with more discipline often times leaving holes in the defense… He needs development but also has a high ceiling.
vs Ohio State,
Our Projection: Late Second to Early Third
Marshawn Kneeland – Western Michigan 6’3″ 270lbs
Had over 1,000 snaps in his final two seasons for the Broncos… An almost perfect NFL frame for an edge guy… Versatile player who has proven that he can be used in different places and in different schemes… High-level hustler/Makes numerous plays from behind… Not an elite athlete… Lack of quick first step is concerning… ‘Bend’ is only average in my opinion but could get better… Must refine hand usage and overall techniques.
vs Central Michigan, Iowa
Our Projection: Late Third Round
Other guys to keep an eye on…. Darius Robinson – Missouri… Chris Braswell – Alabama… Xavier Thomas – Clemson… Jaylan Harrell – Michigan
