3rd-round pick Alex Highsmith to fit into Steelers’ depth chart at outside linebacker
Alex Highsmith redshirted in college. But even if conventional wisdom might suggest circumstances result in a similar apprenticeship in the pros, the Pittsburgh Steelers insist that isn’t necessarily the plan.
“He’s not going to get a redshirt year,” general manager Kevin Colbert said not long after the Steelers took outside linebacker Highsmith with the No. 102 overall pick. “I can’t speak for the coaches… but I know the expectation is this man will contribute — when he’s ready.”
Highsmith played for a Conference USA program in Charlotte, and he could be seen as a late bloomer after initially being a walk-on. Highsmith also joins a team with two established starters at his position in Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt, arguably the NFL’s top 3-4 edge-rushing duo. Also, Dupree on Thursday signed a franchise-tag tender that commits him to the Steelers for only one year.
Add it up, and it would seem a longshot that Highsmith gets much playing time on defense as a rookie. Instead, he would appear to be a perfect candidate to take over for Dupree after a year of NFL development.
Highsmith indicated that Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin told him as much during a teleconference meeting earlier this month.
“They talked to me about being a special teams guy this year and being that guy behind Dupree and Watt,” the 6-foot-4, 242-pound Highsmith said. “So I am so excited to learn from those guys. They’re two of the best pass rushers in the league. I’m ready to soak up everything like a sponge and learn, and do what I can to help this team win a Super Bowl.”
With the release of former top backup Anthony Chickillo, the Steelers have little experience behind Watt and Dupree. Ola Adeniyi and Tuzar Skipper finished last season on the 53-man roster, but they combine for 73 career NFL defensive snaps.
Last season, Dupree played 90.6% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps and Watt played 86.5%. That is a significant bump up from what the Steelers had been playing their edge rushers over the prior half decade.
“Alex gives us quality depth at a position where you need quality rushmen,” Tomlin said. “We now have three Heisman Trophy quarterbacks in the AFC North, so we’ve got to employ guys who can get after those guys. Hopefully, he will aid us in that regard.”
Highsmith was a third-team All-American in 2019 when he had 21½ tackles for loss and 14 sacks in 13 games. The tackles for loss ranked among the top five in the nation.
Alex Highsmith handy, dandy bio box, courtesy @tribjoerutter: https://t.co/qCzP4kMO6T
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) April 25, 2020
Highsmith walked on at Charlotte, redshirting in 2015. He earned a scholarship before the 2017 season and blossomed into a first-team all-conference pick in 2018 when he had 17½ tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Highsmith said the Steelers were one of only two teams that had their general manager and head coach interview him. During the coronavirus pandemic, all draft interviews were done remotely via teleconference.
“He’s 6-4, (242), and he can run,” Colbert said. “Can he get stronger? Sure, they all can. But no one’s going in as a redshirt situation. We expect him to come in and contribute, first and foremost, on special teams, and then fill in (defensively) as he gets his chance.”
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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.
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