The Pittsburgh Steelers currently have the best outside linebacker on the planet, but are the players behind TJ Watt sufficient for the team to have success in 2022? On the surface, this may sound like a strange question. How can a team that boasts the reigning Defensive Player of the Year not have enough talent at his position to succeed? Below we will discuss the current state of the outside linebackers room and what to expect from the group during the 2022 season.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, TJ Watt (#90) participates in the organized team activities (OTA's), Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
A lot of the success for the outside linebackers this season rides on Alex Highsmith. Highsmith hasn't played in a single preseason game and has been hurt for a majority of camp. At this point in the preseason, it's reasonable to question his availability and readiness to play in just three short weeks. Highsmith is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign in which he saw his production and playing time significantly increase.
Highsmith finished the season with 74 tackles, six sacks and one forced fumble. After a strong second season, he has his eyes set on a huge third year for the black and gold. But with Highsmith not participating in a team practice in nearly two weeks, it's hard to be confident that he can provide depth in an otherwise shaky outside linebacker room at least to start the year.
There are currently five outside linebackers not named Watt or Highsmith on the roster. The Steelers are likely to keep two of them unless a third emerges before Week 1 and special teams coordinator, Danny Smith, can't field a team without them.
Of the five linebackers, fifth-year linebacker, Genard Avery stands the highest chance to make the team. He seems to have made a good impression so far at training camp, but his production in the preseason games has been lacking and his contract doesn't scream that he is a lock to make this roster. Avery recorded his most playing time in 2021 starting 12 games for the Philadelphia Eagles, but he only registered 43 tackles and one sack. With Watt and Highsmith not physically being able to play every snap on a weekly basis, Avery being the third outside backer on the depth chart leaves me questioning how productive the group can be in 2022.
The next linebacker we will discuss should sound familiar to Steelers fans. Derrek Tuszka is in his second season with the black and gold and is looking to build off of some success in 2021. Tuszka saw limited action last year, but he did record two sacks and had 18 total tackles. Tuszka certainly can't be counted on to step in and start if Watt or Highsmith have to miss time. However, Tuszka has proven he can be a guy that could spell the pair for 5-10 snaps a game and not provide a huge drop off.
Steelers second-year linebacker, Derrek Tuszka (#48) catches a pass during warm ups. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The final three linebackers fighting for a roster spot are Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Delontae Scott and Ron'Dell Carter. These three will face an uphill climb to crack the 53-man roster just based on production in preseason games and minimal impact on special teams. Scott seemed to be building some hype during training camp practices, but he has shown little in the first two preseason games. Rashed Jr. and Carter didn't start training camp with the Steelers and can't be counted on to provide depth for the Steelers in 2022.
So where does this leave the Steelers linebacker room in 2022? To me, it's a serious question mark. Watt is clearly going to carry this group and Highsmith should be a great Robin once again. However, the depth is very worrisome. Avery and Tuszka likely will make this roster, but both can't be counted on to be serious contributors. If either Watt or Highsmith were to miss any time, then this group would become a huge liability on an otherwise great defense.
The Steelers are putting a lot on Watt and Highsmith to stay healthy and have great production. That could come back to bite them. New Steelers general manager, Omar Khan should be on the phone looking to bring in another depth linebacker before the Steelers start the regular season in three weeks.
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