PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Drafted in the seventh round on Saturday, Oklahoma's Tre Norwood thinks he is the answer to one of the Steelers big off-season questions. Who replaces Mike Hilton?
"In college I kind of played everywhere," Norwood said. "I always prided myself in knowing every position in the back-end. I feel that's helped me a lot in my career."
Filling Hilton's stat sheet will be a chore in 59 career games, 237 tackles, 30 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 23 QB hits, 7 interceptions, 32 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries.
"I feel it brings a lot of value, especially the way the game is played now-a-days," Norwood said of the role Hilton played. "There are a lot of high-powered offenses in the league. Just being able to have those guys who can play corner or play slot or be a free safety or be a strong safety. I feel it brings a lot of help to the defensive side of the ball. Having a guy who can do it all helps out a lot."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made the pick live on the NFL Network and described the 5'11", 192 pound Norwood as a Swiss-army knife.
"A Swiss-army knife, my coaches used that term to describe me as well in college," Norwood said. "I think that's a great description of me and something that I prided myself on, being able to play any position on the back end."
In 39 career games, Norwood made 111 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 6 interceptions and 21 passes defended.
"I'm comfortable with any one of those positions in the back-end," Norwood said. "That slot, nickel position being able to be effective in the run game and the pass game, zone and man."
Norwood will have to be a key piece on special teams. He played on all four teams his freshman year, on both coverage units and punt returns the other seasons. The corner said the coaches at Oklahoma emphasized the importance of those units.
"It's a key part to the game," Norwood said. "Football is a complimentary game you have to have offense, defense and special teams mesh together to get the outcome."
A one-year teammate of Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield with the Sooners, Norwood laughed that he looked forward to trying to get him now as he joins the Steelers.
"It's a historical organization," Norwood said. "It's an organization that any football fan knows about. The opportunity to come to Pittsburgh and be a part of their organization means a lot to me. It's a blessing. I can't wait to get to work."
