Before the Draft: Inside Linebacker
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DRAFT POTENTIAL:
- Day 1: ONE WORD: NO.
- Day 2: LATE, BUT IT WILL HAPPEN.
Ah, the meat of the defense.
For a 3-4 defense, the middle linebacker position is vitally important. Because of the smaller number of linemen, the MLBs must be built larger but still have big-time speed. They’re called on to be the primary run stoppers and are often asked to drop into coverage. They play the spies on the defense, watching a quarterback’s every move. Each one is required to cover his side of the field on outside runs. And, at least in defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s zone-blitzing scheme, they are called on to take a shot at the quarterback, too.
Compare that to the middle linebacker in a 4-3: in this defense, they are fast and often much smaller than their 3-4 counterparts. With only one on the field at a time, they are more often than not assigned to coverage rolls, taking on backs in the flat or tight ends over the middle. The speed is needed for more than coverage, though. On running plays, they need to be able to run down carries that go outside the tackles. This means they are responsible for an area of the field that stretches from sideline to sideline. However, because of the single MLB on the field, their job is often diminished and is viewed as more of a support role.
Right now, the Steelers do not possess a 4-3 MLB. The closest they could come is Rian Wallace, but his lack of NFL experience would hinder that idea. It’s more than likely the team will at least attempt some 4-3 plays this season, and it’s a good bet they will simply accept the slight disadvantage they would face with either of their current starters — James Farrior and Larry Foote — filling the role.
From a 3-4 perspective, though, the team is as stout as always. Farrior led the team in tackles again last year, as he did in 2005. Larry Foote was second on the team both years. There hasn’t been much production from the other guys on the depth chart, because these two have been relatively healthy over the last several years.
Okay, that’s the good news. The bad news is the two will combine for over $7.5 million in cap dollars. That’s a lot of money. And Farrior, one of the most important players from a defensive perspective, is entering his 11th season. That doesn’t leave him with many productive years left. Foote will be entering his 6th season and has really started to hit a groove on the field, so he won’t be much of a concern. However, the backups have very little experience. Clint Kriewaldt, an eight-year veteran and a career backup, has just 63 tackles in his career. Rian Wallace has just nine in two seasons. Wallace was a 5th round draft pick and Kriewaldt wasn’t drafted.
The good news is that the Steelers at least have some depth. That’s more than they can say at some other positions, particularly on the offensive line and outside linebacker. They’ll draft someone for the position, but it won’t happen before round 6 unless they make some moves to get more picks. Chances are they won’t look at anyone in free agency, especially given the bloated salaries being negotiated this offseason. They’ll draft someone with potential, possibly from a Division II school. Coach Mike Tomlin will be looking for versatility because of the multiple looks the team will undoubtedly have this season.
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