There is always at least one curveball for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Draft. This year, it came in the fourth round when they selected Ohio State OLB Jack Sawyer. While I think he’s a fine player and presented good value at No. 123 overall, that is a crowded position group in Pittsburgh with Nick Herbig already looking for more opportunities as it was.
Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin spoke to the media after the pick, and he was asked about the plans for getting somebody like Sawyer involved.
“We’re gonna let him come in and work and then we’ll just let the thing sort itself out,” Austin said via the Steelers’ YouTube page. “I think what happens is when you have good football players, they push each other, and then the guys that are usually best suited to play will. They’ll rise above the other things, and it’ll make it easy for you. It’ll make an easy decision for us. So we’ll just let it sort out, and his play on the field will determine what he does.”
There is no denying that the outside linebacker position is among the most important in the Steelers’ defense. Much like when the Steelers continuously drafted wide receivers every year to ensure a premium position was well-stocked for Ben Roethlisberger, it’s important to ensure there is a pipeline out on the edge.
Last year, the Steelers traded for Preston Smith at the deadline to ensure they had outside linebacker depth. Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig both dealt with injuries last year, which put a strain on the defense overall. DeMarvin Leal was supposed to be able to flex out to OLB, but he also landed on season-ending IR.
Nobody was really talking about it, but outside linebacker depth was a sneaky need in Pittsburgh. Alex Highsmith is under contract through the 2027 season, but T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his deal with no extension in place yet.
It would be irresponsible to take an extension for granted. Even if Watt does choose to sign another deal, he is now on the wrong side of 30 years old.
Nick Herbig is a young, rising player, but he is more of a pass-rush specialist. He is capable against the run, but his size is limiting in certain situations. If they had a high grade on Sawyer, which it seems like they did, then there is nothing wrong with adding to the OLB room.
Jeremiah Moon and Julius Welschof are also in that room.
“I think he’ll fit in nicely in our room,” Austin said.
Check out our full scouting report on Sawyer below.
