Mark Barron’s return could mean return of ‘hybrid’ role for Steelers’ Vince Williams

For seven seasons, he’s been one of the constants in the literal middle of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. A respected leader and favorite of Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff, Vince Williams is carving out a legacy as another in a long line of Steelers inside linebackers.

Except, as he’s about to turn 30 by the end of his seventh NFL season, he’s not that anymore – or so he says.

“I don’t look at myself as an inside linebacker no more,” Williams said from his locker after a practice late last week.

“I’m a utility player.”

When the Steelers have had all three of their starting-caliber inside linebackers available to him, that’s exactly what Williams has been.

And with Mark Barron having practiced fully Saturday, there’s a good chance that the Steelers will have all three of Barron, Williams and Devin Bush available for Monday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins (Barron officially is listed as questionable).

“The thing was that we know we have three good players,” inside linebackers coach Jerry Olsavsky said. “And the thing that is difficult sometimes is working three into two spots – or three into one spot, and so it’s difficult.”

Given the success of defensive rookie Devin Bush and veteran Vince Williams’ return to health, Mark Barron could see a reduced workload https://t.co/QIf5oH5yON

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) October 27, 2019

In the Steelers’ 3-4, of course, two inside linebackers are on the field most of the time. But as the Steelers increasingly go subpackage and add defensive backs onto the field, sometimes that means only one inside ‘backer.

But it’s gone the other direction, at times, too – in deference to the talent of Bush (the No. 10 overall pick rookie), Barron (a former first-round pick) and Williams, the Steelers defensive coaching brass went into their proverbial lab and devised a scheme in which all three can play at once.

Because of injuries at points this season to Williams and Barron, it’s a package the Steelers haven’t used much. But if all three are healthy Monday, it figures to reemerge against the Dolphins.

When and if it does, Barron and Bush will be playing the traditional “Buck” and “Mack” positions – and Williams will be performing duties unique to him.

“I have my responsibilities,” Williams said, almost with a twinkle in his eye.

Those responsibilities could include rushing the passer (he has 13 ½ sacks in his past 33 games), they could be in coverage on a tight end of running back, they could be setting an edge.

Melvin Gordon meet Vince Williams! ? #Steelers pic.twitter.com/rSZIUerCar

— SteelVideos (@SteelBlitzburgh) October 17, 2019

According to Pro Football Focus, Williams played as a slot cornerback for 14 snaps and outside cornerback for two snap over the Steelers’ past two games. He also played 12 snaps lined up on the line of scrimmage – in addition to 61 snaps as a more traditional linebacker.

The Steelers acquired Barron and Bush over the offseason to inject speed and playmaking into the middle of their defense. But they sure didn’t do so to be at the expense of Williams, a player they trust.

“It takes a lot for me to get all three of them on the field at once,” Olsavsky said. “…But it’s about all just working together and knowing your spot and doing your job.”

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