The Steelers' Love Affair With The MAC Leads To This Unconventional Difference Maker In The 2023 Draft

Welcome to the Pittsburgh Steelers' pre-draft season! Leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft starting on April 27th, we will be releasing draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves in Pittsburgh. 

Next up:

Steelers’ Draft Prospect, Karl Brooks (Defensive Tackle/EDGE), Bowling Green, Senior

OVERVIEW: After the first official week of the free agency period, the Steelers have made necessary additions and drops on the defensive side of the ball. Included in these are the re-signing of Larry Ogunjobi, and the new signings of Patrick Peterson, Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. However, this led to the departures of Myles Jack, Devin Bush, Cam Sutton and Robert Spillane. While we still wait on the future plans surrounding Chris Wormley and Tyson Alualu, the Pittsburgh defensive front still needs help. 

We’ve seen circulating reports of a possible Bud Dupree reunion in 2023, but as of where we sit today, there is still an arguable question mark on the depth chart on the outside linebacker position behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. There is a slew of names jockeying for the third rotational outside linebacker. But there is no clear future succession plan for Highsmith should the Steelers not be able to afford him beyond his rookie contract. The Steelers have a deep-rooted love affair with prospects from the Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) and they’ll have their eyes set on a utility defender at the Bowling Green Pro Day on Monday. His name is Karl Brooks.

PROS: Brooks was a productive defender in college and took full advantage of his bonus “COVID year." That productivity featured 48 career starts on defense resulting in 27.5 sacks, 45 tackles for loss, 167 total tackles, five force fumbles and an interception. Brooks was the clear leader of the defense and was voted team captain in back-to-back seasons. 

Brooks brings a unique skill set to the defensive tackle position. Measuring 6’3 and weighing roughly 300 lbs, he could be considered somewhat of an “inbetweener” meaning his slightly undersized for a true defensive tackle, yet a bit large to be an outside linebacker as a part of a 3-4 defensive scheme. However, Brooks is able to use his size to his advantage by lining up at all spots along the defensive front, identifying mismatches that play into his favor, and exploiting those at the snap. 

Brooks plays with a high motor and quick hands to gain leverage on offensive linemen and break into the backfield. He doesn’t give up on the play and is typically finishing each rep near the ball. Brooks brings a sense of urgency to the defense and is able to take on however many blockers it takes to stop him. Between his size and ability to line up anywhere along the defensive front, Brooks is a versatile, physical defender that scouts dream of.

CONS: With that high motor and urgent play style bring a rather reduced lay speed from Brooks. Later in games, he tends to look relatively lethargic in his game speed. This leads to Brooks getting swallowed up on simple blocks and him getting turned around at the point of attack. In addition, against more mobile quarterbacks, Brooks is a bit hesitant about committing to the tackle, leaving time for the quarterback to make a play. When it comes time for Brooks to set the edge on a containment play, he may not be able to get to his spot on time allowing for the quarterback to roll out of the pocket.

Although his size is effective for a defensive player, his positional utilization could be limited. Teams who operate within a 4-3 defense would want to see a larger prospect as a defensive end. Meanwhile, teams who operate within a 3-4 defense, like the Steelers, may want to see someone a bit smaller than Brooks. His versatility will hinder his draft stock and will likely result in him having to gain or cut weight in training camp to adapt to whichever defense calls his name.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Late 2nd Round To 3rd Round

To reiterate, Brooks’ size and positional versatility will either drive or diminish his draft stock. Not to mention, with this draft class featuring deep pools of talent at both the defensive tackle and EDGE positions, with Brooks fluttering between the two roles, it’ll take a team with a specific need to call Brooks. That time will come beyond the opening night, but I consider him a solid pick on the second day. Once the first round ‘leftovers’ are selected early on the second day, Brooks’ name will be at the top of a lot of big boards. He’ll be a confident late second to early third-round selection.

VERDICT: To be clear, I do not consider the edge or outside linebacker position as a high priority for 2023. However, beyond 2023 it will be a priority and the Steelers don’t have a plan in place to address that for when the time comes. Brooks is that plan. After a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, scouts were hoping to get a good look at Brooks at the combine. Unfortunately, Brooks was not invited to the combine and is forced to rely on his tape and Pro Day workout to dictate his draft stock. On Monday, the Steelers will make the four-hour drive to Bowling Green to take their look at Brooks. With their third pick in the draft being the 49th overall, I like that spot for Brooks. There is no chance he’ll be available beyond that and he checks all the boxes the Steelers look for in a defensive weapon. 

Where do you see Brooks going in April?  Would you want to see him in black and gold? Let us know in the comments!

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