The Steelers Could Have An Eye On A Former First-Round Pick If One Defender Can't Impress

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a strong start to the 2024 NFL season. The defensive side of the ball has been one of the most impressive units in the entire NFL. The pass rush has been dominant, with TJ Watt having a sack in each game up until this point in the 2024 season. The Steelers, however, did take a hit defensively when outside linebacker Alex Highsmith went down with a groin injury during the team's Week 3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

The groin injury isn't too serious for Highsmith. It's a shame to see him injured and he will miss some time, but he avoided being placed on Injured Reserve (IR) which is a promising sign. It's important he waits until he is fully healed to return to play, as these types of soft tissue injuries can get worse. 

During his absence, he will be replaced in the starting lineup by second-year player Nick Herbig. Many fans aren't too worried about Herbig being inserted into the lineup. He was dominant throughout training camp and the preseason and recorded two sacks when replacing Highsmith in Week 3.

The issue is a lack of depth at outside linebacker. Herbig was the backup for both Watt and Highsmith, and the only other true outside linebacker on the roster is Jeremiah Moon who is on IR. Instead of bringing in external help, Pittsburgh is giving DeMarvin Leal the responsibility of being the third linebacker during Highsmith's absence.

Leal is officially a defensive end, but he has played some outside linebacker for Pittsburgh ever since joining the organization in 2022. Overall he has struggled to find his footing in the league, as he has played in 26 games and recorded just one sack and 32 total tackles. He now has the biggest opportunity of his career in front of him, as both Watt and Herbig will occasionally come off of the field. Leal will have the chance to step up and make a play while they take breaks throughout the game.

It is unclear how long Highsmith will be out, but the organization won't feel any pressure when it comes to putting him back on the field thanks to Herbig. If Leal can't perform, however, Pittsburgh should look for external help to add some better depth to the position. A prime candidate for the Steelers to consider would be former first-round pick, Shaq Lawson, who is currently a free agent.

Steelers Would Benefit From Adding Lawson For Depth

Lawson is a former first-round pick who was selected with the 19th overall pick by the Buffalo Bills during the 2016 NFL Draft. Lawson has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans and New York Jets during his career. He last played for the Bills in 2023, and he has plenty of experience as he has played in 109 career games. 

The edge rusher has never quite lived up to his first-round label, but he has been serviceable. Over his eight-year career, he has tallied 207 tackles to go with 26 sacks. His experience and production would be a good addition for the Steelers behind Watt and Herbig while Highsmith is sidelined. 

Another important factor is that Lawson has won throughout a lot of his career, which is something Head Coach Mike Tomlin values. Another obvious connection is between Tomlin and Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott, who played on the same college team. McDermott has coached Lawson for five years, and could give Tomlin valuable insight on the veteran.

It's important to note that the coaching staff on the Steelers is comfortable with Leal playing outside linebacker. It is something he has worked on throughout training camp and he wasn't blindsided by taking on a role like this. However, Lawson could provide some additional depth if someone else gets injured, or if Leal's play isn't adequate.

What do you think of the Steelers making a move like this? Is there any other names Pittsburgh should consider? Let us know in the comments below!

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