Home Steelers Draft SCB Steelers Draft Journal: EDGE Tarell Basham

SCB Steelers Draft Journal: EDGE Tarell Basham

by Chris Nicolaou

The Pittsburgh Steelers are assumingly going outside linebacker early. How early? If not Day 1, a look to Day 2 couldn’t hurt, which is where Tarell Basham is slotted to be taken.

Tarell Basham | Ohio University

6’4″ 269lbs | Senior


What’s to like: Big build and carries his weight very well. Sets a hard edge. Sturdy in run support, aggressive and takes good angles. High motor which supplements his relentless effort. Has a powerful first stab off the line of scrimmage, drives offensive tackles back. Quick off the snap. A very good tackler with good technique. Is sound in his responsibilities, sticks to his assignment. Ran a 4.7 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine.  Extremely long arms at 34 1/4”. Higher ceiling than most will want to admit.



Concerns: Competition was downplayed. Lack of a variety of pass rush moves. Relies too much on his power, which is handled well in the NFL. Pretty tightly hipped, would like to see him turn the corner quicker. Might be asked to drop some weight. Needs to learn how to use his hands to help him win. Late off the snap more often then I’d like, needs cleaned up in that area.


Verdict: I didn’t know what to expect of Basham, who plays in the MAC. I heard rumors of his stats but was unsure if that was just due to who his competition was. I was wrong, Basham was a force against Tennessee with 4 tackles, 1.5 TFL and a sack. Was making plays and in the backfield all game. He is someone who is still a bit raw with his pass rushing, but with good coaching he could be close to a double digit sack guy in the NFL. I think Basham would fit with the Steelers very well and is a well-rounded prospect. Either as the first or second EDGE guy selected, I would still be comfortable.


2016 Stats: 49 tackles (28 solo), 16 TFL, 11.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR

Grade: Late 2nd | Projection: Round 3

Games watched: Tennessee 2016, Troy 2016, Idaho 2015, Appalachian State 2015

All 2017 Steel City Blitz Draft Player Journals

Stats courtesy: Sports-Reference, NFL.com

Photo courtesy:  DraftBlaster

Video courtesy: DraftBreakdown.com

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