Steelers linebacker Tanner Muse is putting himself on the map for roster consideration. The former Seahawks linebacker is not talked about out of the inside linebacker room, but his game against the Buffalo Bills went under the radar. Moreover, the Steelers could use special teams help as part of their special teams core that Mike Tomlin talks about. Muse can force the team to keep five inside linebackers through his play.
This week, Muse earned the title of Steelers depth player to watch out for from Pro Football Focus after earning a 90.4 grade against the Bills.
“The former Clemson Tiger has played mostly on special teams in the NFL, and that is where he is expected to play in Pittsburgh,” the outlet wrote. “But his defensive play against the Bills was encouraging. While he did not receive a downgrade in run defense, he was at his best in coverage. He allowed just one reception on 18 coverage snaps, which went for only 7 yards and did not result in a first down.”
Muse is a bit of a different linebacker from anyone else in the room. For one, he is a converted safety. That alone gives him unique qualities. Muse, as a linebacker, can be categorized as someone with a specialty in coverage. There is athleticism to tap into, but the zone instincts are natural for a guy who played safety in college.
“You know, I just don’t have a lot of tapes out there on defense,” Muse said. “Most of what I do is on (special) teams but I feel like I have some natural coverage instincts. When called upon I think I can do a lot of different things there. Coverage is one part of my game I feel really good with.”
The tape in Seattle reveals some promising reps there. Kwon Alexander fills that void for the Steelers right now. However, Muse shined coming downhill against the Bills should give some confidence in his run defense, too. Muse is all about seeing the ball and getting the ball. He has a quick downhill trigger. That is a blessing and a curse at times for any inside linebacker. Muse can be caught out of position at times in that regard. Either way, his biggest impact should not come on defense. Special teams are a place the Steelers need to find guys they trust, and maybe Muse can be one of those guys.
Muse can play on almost all units. Certainly, coverage units and Omar Khan inked him with special teams in mind. His natural speed and open-space tackling ability give him boons in this lane. So, if Muse wants to make the team, he needs to showcase his special teams abilities against the Falcons. That fifth linebacker spot is up for grabs, and Muse would be the front-runner right now if the Steelers keep five inside linebackers.
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