Ryan Shazier gives Steelers' new-look group vote of confidence
The Steelers have been trying and failing to fill the void left by LB Ryan Shazier for years, but after a very active offseason, the former linebacker believes Pittsburgh finally got it right.
"I actually liked the approach that they took this year when it came to the linebackers," Shazier said. "The route that they took this year was, "we're just gonna bring in a bunch of veterans and allow them to understand the system that we have, and they should be able to catch on." ... I'm liking what I'm seeing."
The Steelers needed to try something new after the inside linebacker group didn't force a single turnover in 2022. So, an overhaul of capable veterans was the decision.
Pittsburgh has since signed linebackers Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Kwon Alexander, Nick Kwiatkoski and Tanner Muse to join the lone returning player in Mark Robinson, a seventh-round pick in 2022.
The new-look group showed flashes of what it could be in the Steelers first preseason action vs. the Buccaneers last weekend.
Shazier seems to believe the group lived up to the expectations.
"I think they have the guys and players that can do a really good job and then just how they were performing in the preseason game," he added. "It made me feel confident how the linebacker position looks."
Holcomb, Roberts and Alexander will all consistently see the field this season now that Pittsburgh can specialize its inside linebacker play on obvious run and pass downs.
The inside linebacker position has been one of the Steelers' least stable group for years, but it might just be one of the team's deepest positions in 2023.
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