Steelers Show LB Is A Priority, As HC Mike Tomlin Has Dinner With One Of Best LBs In 2023 NFL Draft

Another potential option for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft has popped up. While the team addressed the inside linebacker position on Wednesday morning with the signing of Cole Holcomb they are still going to need to add more to that position. Myles Jack has one year left on his contract, and the only other inside linebacker on the roster is last years seventh round pick Mark Robinson. 

That would be Clemson’s Trenton Simpson, who told reporters that he indeed met with the black and gold on Monday, via Clemson beat writer Luke Winstel. Simpson had a solid showing at the Combine in Indianapolis, showcasing his incredible athleticism. Simpson was able to run a 4.43 40-yard dash, which certainly impressed NFL GMs that were in the building. Due to his speed and athleticism, some scouts around the league are reportedly considering him as a safety. It seems the Clemson product realizes he isn't just a linebacker.

Drafting Simpson with the 17th overall selection may be a bit of a reach, so the 32nd pick may be more in play. It does seem that his stock is on the rise after the week in Indianapolis though. His versatility is quite similar to two guys that have been selected in years past in Isaiah Simmons and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Simmons went eighth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, while Owusu-Koromoah fell on draft day to 52nd overall due to some concerns.

Head coach Mike Tomlin was at Clemson’s Pro Day on Tuesday, where Simpson and defensive lineman Bryan Bresee were in action. With DL and LB as two of the team’s biggest needs, those two Clemson guys are realistic options for the black and gold in the upcoming draft. While Tomlin's dinner with Simpson doesn't necessarily mean he'll be in Pittsburgh, it shows a clear interest they have in him.

Would You Prefer Bresee Or Simpson In A Steelers Uniform?

This signifies the team isn’t fully confident in Jack, who had a disappointing first season in Pittsburgh. With just one year remaining on his deal, it’ll be interesting to see if the Steelers hang onto him this offseason. Devin Bush is as good as gone, and Robert Spillane has already signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. All of it boils down to Mark Robinson and the progression he can make in his second NFL season in 2023, but regardless, it seems a foregone conclusion that the team will draft depth at the position.

Simpson could be just the guy they're looking for. Since the tragic incident of Ryan Shazier, the team has been unable to find its next franchise linebacker. That hasn't gone without trying though, as they've tried to duplicate Shazier's speed with guys like Bush and Jack. For different reasons, things haven't exactly worked out. Simpson's speed and athleticism, although similar to the nature of Bush, are appealing to any NFL front office.

Do you think linebacker is the team's biggest priority this offseason? Should the team bring back Myles Jack for another season? How do you think Simpson will translate to the NFL? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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