PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Last year arguably there weren't two better starters at any position in the NFL until the injury to Bud Dupree. TJ Watt and Dupree combined for 23 sacks, 31 tackles for loss, 9 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles in 26 games together in 2020.
Dupree not only was lost to injury coinciding with the team's slide, but lost to free agency for 5-years, $82.5 million to the Titans. Alex Highsmith becomes the starter in his second year after spot starting five times in 2020.
Depth is a major issue at the position. It's an area where the team could make a move during camp or search the waiver wire after the final exhibition game.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (5) - Alex Highsmith, Quincy Roche, Tegray Scales, TJ Watt, Cassius Marsh
STARTERS – Watt was the best outside linebacker in the NFL in 2020 after 15 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in 15 games. He finished second only to Aaron Donald as NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The last year and a half, Watt and Dupree complimented each other like no other pass rushing linebacker combination in the game. Now Watt builds on his relationship with the 2020 ---- round pick Highsmith.
The 6'4", 242 pounder from Charlotte combined for 20 tackles in his last three games (11 solo) with a sack. Highsmith said he's been working on his mental game to be ready for the challenge.
"I'm just coming in with the mindset to be the best I can be," Highsmith said during OTAs. "I'm excited and blessed to have this opportunity. I know I have to go in and make the most of it. Same thing happened to me in college. I didn't end up starting my first couple of years in college and took advantage of the opportunity."
BACK-UPS – Quincy Roche moving slightly from defensive end finishing with 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last year at Miami. In 2019 at Temple, 19 TFL, 13 sacks, 5 passes defended, 3 fumble recoveries. Could be a big-time find in the sixth round, but only one year at a Power 5.
Scales has been on rosters with the Rams, Colts, Steelers, USFL, Tampa Bay and back with the Steelers. He was first-team All-Big Ten in 2017 from Indiana but has only played in four NFL games. All with the Steelers last year.
Marsh, officially listed as a defensive end, signed back after just a game playing for the Steelers last year, his third team in 2020. The 29-year-old bounced around with seven teams with 14 career sacks and 5 forced fumbles.
OUTLOOK – One side of the ball is set and Highsmith showed promise. If defenses cheat to double-team or at least put a tight end to Watt's side, can Highsmith take advantage.
