Participant: OLB Jack Sawyer
Inventory Worth: Bought
Reasoning: The Steelers’ fourth-round number of OLB Jack Sawyer didn’t tackle a giant want, however did signify positional and draft worth. He’ll are available because the fourth edge defender, however will concentrate on particular groups as a rookie. Maybe he may develop right into a starter sooner or later when considered one of T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith departs.
When the Steelers drafted Jack Sawyer, many followers’ rapid response may need been confusion. With solely six draft picks and none within the second, why do you utilize a fourth-round decide on a linebacker? In any case, they have already got T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig, and folks like to assume that Herbig would begin for many groups.
Maybe we’ll be speaking about Jack Sawyer in the identical vein in a yr or two—or maybe not. Herbig is a little bit flashier than Sawyer, who is larger and may do extra of the soiled work. That’s to not say that Herbig is a one-trick pony, by any means.
In truth, I virtually marvel if the Steelers drafting Jack Sawyer is making individuals reappraise Herbig. Recently, we’ve heard a variety of speak about complementary (learn: differing) talent units. For instance, Herbig is the pass-rushing rotational participant, and Sawyer is the run-stuffing reserve. However actually, each of them have an entire talent set, and Herbig embraces the run recreation.
That is about Jack Sawyer, although, and we haven’t even come near seeing him on the sector but. Whereas he confirmed playmaking expertise on the school degree, Herbig has performed that within the NFL. The rookie must begin from the underside and work his method up, which implies 300-plus snaps on particular groups. That mentioned, don’t be stunned if the Steelers make use of a extra sturdy four-man rotation at exterior linebacker this yr.
With the brand new league yr underway and the Steelers turning their roster over, it’s as soon as once more time to “take inventory”. It took some time, however we lastly noticed a few of that change the crew talked about after the season ended. Definitely, the transfer to commerce for WR DK Metcalf qualifies as a change, to not point out the accompanying contract.
There’s nonetheless a protracted option to go earlier than we all know what this Steelers crew goes to appear like. The mud is settled on each free company and the 2025 NFL Draft. What different strikes may the crew make, maybe surprising acquisitions or departures? In the event that they traded for one participant, they may actually commerce for one more, or commerce one away. It is a Steelers crew ravenous for postseason success, however how determined are they for a playoff win in 2025?
