Who Do We Need in the Draft?
Do we need a Linebacker to replace Porter? A good backup RB? Another playmaker at WR? A hard nosed Defensive lineman? Someone to protect Big Ben? Well, not one jumps out at me, in fact, they all do. What may take precedence for the Steelers is getting a versatile playmaker, outside linebacker or not, that will allow them to transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense.
That is why the Steelers have been linked with players such as Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons and Nebraska defensive end Adam Carriker, to name a few, in mock drafts. Timmons appears capable of playing outside linebacker in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defense, and draft analysts have said the 6-foot-1, 234-pounder could also line up at defensive end in a 4-3 alignment.
Carriker, meanwhile, could line up at tackle in a 4-3 and end in a 3-4. He could possibly play outside linebacker in a 4-3, though speed would be a concern. “He’s big, he comes hard every play and to me, any defensive structure you want, Adam Carriker is going to fit into it,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said.
What structure the Steelers will have is nothing more than an educated guess at this point.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, a 4-3 disciple, has said the Steelers will stick with the 3-4 at least through next season because their personnel is best suited for it.
Tomlin has dismissed the importance of base formations — he also hasn’t ruled out using both a 3-4 and a 4-3 as situations dictate — but who the Steelers draft, particularly in the first round, could give more than a glimpse into what shape the defense will take in future years.
Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler FanaticPat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.
