Steelers Going Middle Linebacker Early In The 2023 NFL Draft Make The Most Sense?

The Pittsburgh Steelers could go a lot of different directions with their first few picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh currently has seven picks in the draft, three in the top 49. There are multiple combinations of players/positions that the Steelers could address with picks 17, 32, and 49, but we’re only going to look at one specific player. Clemson linebacker, Trenton Simpson, the fastest and most versatile linebacker in the class. 

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Trenton Simpson is a 6’3”, 240lb inside linebacker from Clemson. Simpson is arguably the most well-rounded linebacker in the draft. He roams the middle of the field, covering anybody that comes by with his above average speed. Simpson can lock down any pass catcher in man coverage and is great passing receivers off in a zone. He is a tackle machine, putting up 41 solos each of the last two years. He can also rush the passer and contain mobile quarterbacks when they look to scramble. Simpson is a true do it all inside linebacker. 

The Best Intangible 

Everyone knows that speed kills in the NFL and Simpson does not lack it at all. He flies around the field faster than most linebackers, easily covering whoever he is matched up on. His speed shows up everywhere on tape and helps him in every part of the game. He is a great tackler and packs a punch coming downhill on a runner. Simpson could make even more noise at the NFL Combine, in particular in the 40-yard dash. Multiple people expect him to run a sub 4.4 which would put him in elite company for a linebacker. Just watch how he flies to the ball in these couple of clips:

Versatility For The Steelers

Simpson could very well be the most versatile player in the draft. Pro Football Focus listed out the positions where Simpson lined up on defense: 65% at ILB or S, 21% on the DL, and 14% at CB or slot. Wherever you need a body, Simpson can play there at a high level. He would be an all down player, mainly sticking on the inside of the defense, but could bump out to OLB or slot barring rotations or injuries.  

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A Few Bad Qualities  

The one trait with Simpson that could hold him from being a top pick is his block shedding. He can be a great run defender and tackler, but he does have a hard time getting off blocks set by almost anybody. He would benefit greatly if he played within himself a little more. He needs to learn to use his speed to the best of his ability. 

On run plays, if he sees a big hole, he needs to just explode through it. Either he gets the tackle on the running back who obviously saw the same hole, or blows up the play, allowing someone else to finish it. One minor thing that showed up on film was some poor pursuit angles. This one is normally easy to fix and would lead to more direct routes and getting caught up on blocks less. Regardless of his two issues, his top tier speed could easily make up for his deficiencies.  

Potential Defense 

Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers

If Pittsburgh drafted Simpson, he would immediately be plugged into the middle of the defense, most times at an inside linebacker in the Steelers’ base 3-4 defense. Simpson would be without a doubt Pittsburgh’s best ILB, rarely coming off the field. A defense that allowed Simpson to roam the middle of the field would take extra pressure off of Minkah Fitzpatrick and the rest of the secondary. 

Simpson would also help out the defensive line, not by playing there, but by buying more time in coverage and allowing the pass rush to get home more often. Trenton Simpson is the definition of an ideal linebacker and would immediately give the Steelers’ defense a huge boost. 

Would Trenton Simpson be a good pick by the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below.

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