Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ last Super Bowl victory was achieved mainly due to defense. The team finished at the top in the league in passing yards allowed, turnovers and points allowed, and was second in rushing yards. The strength of that defense came from a strong linebacking corps featuring James Harrison.
Only Lawrence Timmons and Harrison remain in that unit today. The Steelers have since spent first-round draft picks on linebackers: Jarvis Jones and Ryan Shazier. Both have shown great potential and promise, but both dealt with setbacks due to injuries. With the selection of Bud Dupree out of Kentucky, the Steelers have set up the final piece of their linebacking puzzle and potentially their defensive puzzle.
From Jack Lambert and Jack Ham during the 1970s, to their 2008 squad, the linebackers’ ability to both blitz and play pass defense over the middle gave Pittsburgh a special advantage over their opponents. For the Steelers’ defense to return to being one of the best in the NFL, the three first-round picks need to continue the team’s linebacking legacy.
Daniel Johnson is a Beat Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
