Steelers Could Find Their Surprising Diamond In The Rough By Drafting Andre White Jr In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers sought to shore up their linebacker group for the future during the 2023 offseason, but things didn't go according to plan. Injuries ended up being the consistent factor rather than productive linebacker play, with Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander going down with season-ending injuries in November. Ahead of the 2024 season, Pittsburgh wants to avoid that kind of situation and that means being fully confident in the linebackers they put on the field every week. One prospect that could be on their radar for the 2024 NFL Draft could be another answer in that linebacker room.

Pittsburgh battled through 2023 and, despite the injuries and complete lack of offensive creativity or stability, made it to a Wild Card game that they lost against the Buffalo Bills. Even though they found a way to earn an unexpected playoff berth, no one in Pittsburgh would say that the franchise accomplished their goals. Former Georgia Tech linebacker Andre White Jr. could bring in some youth to a linebacker group that has to find a way to stay on the field.

The Steelers have shown interest in White Jr., more so as a player to grow within their system than someone to rely on from the get-go. The hard-nosed defender played four seasons at Texas A&M from 2019 until 2022, playing his final collegiate year with Georgia Tech. While White Jr. never tallied more than 2.5 sacks in a season during college, he proved himself to be a coachable player who never shied away from contact or a challenge. Justin Melo of The Draft Network asked White Jr. about the teams he visited with and the impact a linebacker has on the defense.

"Linebackers have to be tough, hard-nosed players. We have to be leaders on that field. I love the leadership aspect that naturally comes with playing the position. We bring the team together. We have to thrive behind the defensive lineman. We have to play clean-up and make a bunch of secure tackles. We pretty much have to be the glue that brings the defensive line and the secondary together. We’re the centerpiece, the communicator of the defense...I met with the Steelers, Ravens, and Falcons. Those are the main three teams I’ve met with. I’ve spoken and met with scouts from other teams as well, a bunch of them at Pro Day. I met with teams at the Trillion Tropical Bowl and the College Gridiron Showcase as well. Those three teams come to mind, though."

If the Steelers do see enough of what they like from White Jr., it most likely won't take a high-value draft pick to bring him into the Pittsburgh fold. Most mock drafts have him as a late pick, if not an undrafted free agent, following the 2024 NFL Draft. A positive for White Jr., if he does end up wearing black and gold, is that he will have time to develop alongside some truly great defenders.

Steelers Have Big Hopes For Patrick Queen

When the Steelers went to address their need for a game-changing middle linebacker, they found exactly what they were looking for in Patrick Queen. The former Baltimore Ravens' linebacker had a breakout 2023 season that earned him a $41 million deal with Pittsburgh. He will be expected to lead the middle of the Steelers' defense as they aim higher in 2024.

While Queen will be relied upon, the burden won't all be on him. TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Cameron Heyward, Joey Porter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick are all fully capable of shutting down offenses and have proven so. The biggest aspect of Queen's job that the Steelers are looking for is his ability to stay healthy. Adding Queen's consistent presence to an already talented group of defenders will take plenty of pressure off their offense as they look to get back into the elite tier of the NFL once again.

How many sacks will Watt and Highsmith combine for in 2024? 

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