The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very eventful offseason, making multiple moves in free agency while addressing their needs through the 2023 NFL Draft. One new addition to the Steelers in 2023 is Cole Holcomb. Holcomb grew up a die-hard Steelers' fan and because of this he feels he has a good grasp on the history of the organization and knows exactly what is expected from him during his time in Pittsburgh. He joins another newly signed linebacker, Elandon Roberts, in a revamped inside linebacker room that is looking to turn the position into a strength for the defense.
AP Photo / Daniel Kucin Jr.
Pittsburgh Steelers sign former Washington Commanders linebacker Cole Holcomb
Holcomb Grew Up A Die-Hard Steelers' Fan
Holcomb signed a three-year contract with the Steelers and is expected to be a leader in the inside linebacker room for years to come. He was only able to play in seven games during the 2022 NFL season, as he had a knee injury that caused him to miss four games and then underwent a season-ending foot surgery. Now, fully healthy, Holcomb is expected to be a force on the Steelers' defense.
Holcomb grew up a Steelers' fan, as he took after his uncle who was a life-long fan that even took him to some games, including an AFC Championship. Holcomb recently said in an interview with the Steelers that he feels his fandom for the team has prepared him well to join the organization.
"My uncle was a diehard Steelers' fan, I grew up watching Pittsburgh games. I know the history behind this organization. I know what they're expecting, and I feel like I can fit in well and this is my kind of organization. I love the atmosphere. I love the fan base. I love the organization. I love the coaching staff. I'm just super, super excited to get started working with these guys."
This kind of excitement to join the black and gold from an inside linebacker is assuring for fans of the organization. He is an inside linebacker who already knows what to expect from the culture and what is expected of being a Steeler. It's safe to say it is a complete 180 from having a player like Devin Bush who has trashed the Steelers since leaving the team in free agency.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' ILB Cole Holcomb
Holcomb's Career Thus Far
Holcomb was a walk-on at North Carolina that found his way onto the gridiron during his freshman season. He would end up having a very successful collegiate career, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors for his play during his senior season. He would wind up being a fifth-round selection by the Washington Commanders in 2019.
He had an extremely successful rookie season, recording 105 combined tackles, which is the second most he has had in a season in the NFL. During the 2020 NFL season, Holcomb was a starting linebacker for a Commanders team that ended the Steelers' 11-game win streak, giving them their first loss of the season. He recorded five tackles in the game.
washingtoncommanders.com
Steelers new linebacker Cole Holcomb figures to be locked in as one of the team's two starting linebackers.
In the seven games Holcomb was healthy during the 2022 NFL season, he recorded 69 combined tackles and a pass deflection. Holcomb is a much needed presence for the Steelers' defense, as he is a tackling machine that always finds himself around the ball. He specializes in stopping the run, which is something the Steelers struggled with in 2022 as they gave up 4.2 yards per carry. Holcomb will also be of use in coverage. The linebacker has had three interceptions and 10 deflections thus far in his career despite missing nine games in 2022.
Holcomb is excited to join the organization, and knows he is expected to be a major piece of the defense for at least the next three seasons. Holcomb will be a reliable presence in the middle of the Steelers' defense, and if he is able to stay healthy, he will be a major contributor that will be making many tackles while donning the black and gold.
How do you feel about Holcomb joining the Steelers' defense Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!
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