The Pittsburgh Steelers are fortunate to have an abundance of veteran players on the defensive side of the ball who have vast experience in mentoring younger players. Whether it be Cam Heyward with the defensive line group, T.J. Watt with the outside linebackers, or Patrick Peterson and Minkah Fitzpatrick with the defensive backs, the team is in good shape at nearly every level of their defense heading in to 2023.
With that being said, there seems to be a question mark as to who will take a leadership role at inside linebacker for the Steelers going into next season. With second-year player, Mark Robinson, as the only returning member of the group from 2022, there may be a need for a new face at inside linebacker to step up and assume the role. Luckily, there seems to be a veteran free agent signing who is willing to accept the responsibilities, former New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins' linebacker, Elandon Roberts.
During a recent interview following one of the team's offseason training activities (OTAs), Roberts took the time to explain how he is unsure of what his exact role as a leader will be for the Steelers in 2023. However, he believes his experience in serving as a team captain will help the team be successful this upcoming season, regardless of his role.
"If you're a natural leader, it's going to happen. From a captain standpoint, I feel like having that 'C' behind you is a great thing, but just because you don't have it, doesn't mean you can't be a great leader. At the end of the day, before you can lead, you gotta be able to know how to follow. I'm cool with the following role also," answered Roberts.
While Roberts did not explicitly say that he is willing to lead the team from an inside linebacker capacity next season, it is evident that is comfortable in doing so. Having served as a team captain for both of his previous teams, it is not much of a stretch to think that he will be willing to mentor players such as Robinson, Cole Holcomb, and Tanner Muse. He is by far the most tenured member of the positional group and may be asked to use his previous experience to help improve the level of play at inside linebacker.
Roberts Aspires To Learn From Current Steelers Captain
During the interview, Roberts was quick to praise Heyward's impressive ability to command respect from his teammates both on and off the field, noting that players are able to feel his presence simply from "walking in the building." While Roberts has yet to gain the same type of leadership ability as Heyward in the Steelers' locker room, he is very much looking forward to learning from the team's eight-time team captain.
"I'm eight years in, but he has many more than me. So whatever I need to do to get to his point and to get to his amount of years through his leadership and what he's putting out there on the field, I'm a sponge trying to take it all in," described Roberts in regards to what he hopes to learn from Heyward.
The Steelers are most likely still deciphering on what exactly their rotation at inside linebacker will be for next season. With that being said, there seems to be a clear indication of why the front office was intent on bringing Roberts in this offseason. At 29 years old, he is at a point in his career where he still has plenty of high-quality football left in him while also still having the ability to serve in a leadership role. Regardless of the number of snaps he plays in 2023, he will undoubtedly be called upon to help improve the overall level of morale in the inside linebacker room.
Thoughts, Steeler Nation?
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