Steelers News: Is it possible the Steelers turn to a pass rusher early in the 2020 NFL Draft?

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 season is officially over. After finishing the year 8-8, the Steelers, and their vast fan base, has another long offseason awaiting them. Just because the games are done doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how the Steelers might be looking to add to their defense, even though all the glaring needs are on offense.

Let’s get to the news:

• What a change of events it would be if the Steelers ignored the common theme of having a predominant offensive 2020 NFL Draft class, and went with defense early in the process.

Quest for pressure never ending

By: Mike Prisuta, Steelers.com

Observations on what was seen and heard on the NFL Network during Day Three of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis:

ALWAYS IN DEMAND: The edge rushers were among those on display at Lucas Oil Stadium and NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah suspected everyone would be paying close attention.

”I’ve talked to a bunch of coaches and GMs this week,” Jeremiah offered. “You know how many of them have told me they have enough pass rushers and they don’t need any more? Zero.

”You never have enough.”

SHIFT IN PROTOCOL: NFL Network analyst Willie McGinest maintained the game is changing for edge rushers during a conversation with Saints defensive end and NFL Network Combine analyst Cameron Jordan.

McGinest: “I talked to Troy Vincent (NFL executive vice president of football operations) and the competition committee, we met and we talked. They’ve just eliminated the bull rush. There’s no longer bull rush in pass rushing, their hands will be critical. The new term that they’re calling it, it’s speed to power. So if you lower your helmet to initiate contact in what used to be called the bull rush, it’ll be a foul. Now, it’s called speed to power or the power rush.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Should NFL fans have a say in the Collective Bargaining Agreement?

Tim Benz: Fans should have seat at NFL’s collective bargaining table

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

When it comes to NFL coverage, I‘m usually one of the last guys to write a weepy column that sobs, “But what about the fans!?”

Actually, make that the last guy.

The absolute last person to do so.

You’re a football fan. Not a child in an orphanage, an abandoned pet or a political prisoner.

Follow the games. Root for a team.

Or don’t. Whatever.

Either way, you don’t need an advocacy group just because you own a Terrible Towel, a Dawg Pound mask or a cheese head.

But I’m going to go off-brand today and do a little advocating for those of us who are NFL fans.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Cam Heyward has some unique memories of the NFL Combine, considering he couldn’t do any physical tests at that time.

Heyward’s take on the Combine

By: Teresa Varley, Steelres.com

The NFL Scouting Combine is the ultimate job interview for more than 300 of the top college players. It’s an opportunity to prove yourself in front of every NFL head coach, assistant coach, general manager, scout and just about everyone else involved in NFL football operations who descend upon Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

For Steelers’ defensive end Cam Heyward the Combine was a little different than for most. Heyward suffered an elbow injury in the Sugar Bowl, forcing him to have surgery that prevented him from taking part in the drills at the Combine. He still had to go through the medical part of it, which was just as taxing.

Heyward shared some of his memories about the Combine.

What is the overall Combine experience like?”There is no other place where you get judged on your athletic ability, your intelligence, how you deal with waking up early and all of the factors than at the Combine. Everything goes in because the coaches and owners want to evaluate how you do under pressure. It’s the biggest job interview of your life.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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