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Steelers Might've Found Their Next Linebacker in Alabama

There are tons of good linebackers in Mobile for the Pittsburgh Steelers to choose from.

MOBILE -- The Pittsburgh Steelers need help at linebacker. 2019 first-round pick Devin Bush and fellow starter Robert Spillane set to hit free agency this offseason, there is little in the way of a backup plan at that position. 

There will be other big free agents that the Steelers can try and sign this offseason, but with cap space limited given their extensive spending to lock down stars like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, it is safe to assume they will look to the draft for an affordable, plug-and-play backer this spring. 

Luckily for the Steelers, there is loads of potential right under their nose at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Head coach Mike Tomlin, senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach Brian Flores and general manager Omar Khan have been at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama all week, watching an impressive array of players show their skills. 

While the top-end, surefire round one talent might be light, there is plenty of depth to choose from. There are at least six backers in Mobile that the Steelers should think about adding when the Draft rolls around in April. 

At the top of the list is former Washington State Cougar Daiyan Henley, a wonderful blend of athleticism and diverse experience that has been one of the best players on the field in practice this week. He played seven different positions over his six years in college, from wide receiver to kick returner to safety, before arriving at his home with the linebackers. His knowledge, sideline-to-sideline speed, long arms and agility make him the kind of do-it-all backer the Steelers need to fill a big hole. The best part is that his inexperience at linebacker, specifically and size concerns will make him a steal on day three. 

Indiana's Cam Jones, a 6'1, 227-pounder is built in the same mold and has made a name for himself by coming up with clutch plays in team drills with the National squad. Jones made important stops when coaches put him in game-like situations. He's also been a strong leader on the National defense, according to his coaches, making him more than a band-aid for the Steelers, who need a long-term solution to their linebacker problem. 

Dorian Williams from Tulane, Ivan Pace Jr. of Cincinnati and Aubrey Miller from Jackson State are small-school standouts that have turned heads with their quickness - all three hit top speeds of over 18.5 miles per hour - and ability to rush the passer. They can hit hard and keep up with running backs in pass coverage as well. Pace, Williams and Miller project as value picks in on day two or later like Henley and Jones, leaving room for them to fill more pressing needs with their top selections.

Texas' DeMarvion Overshown is another intriguing prospect - raw in terms of his technical skills but freakishly athletic at 6'2 and 220 pounds. His length and long-range quickness could be lethal if meshed with the right coaching and scheme. Even just a year under Flores' tutelage would work wonders for his development.

Pitt's SirVocea Dennis has struggled at times during practice but still made two interceptions in team drills this week. His best traits - intelligence and play recognition - won't show up until he steps out of a practice setting and into formal meetings with NFL teams and game situations like the one he'll be in on gameday at the end of the week. He's a smart player that isn't on many people's radars but could outplay expectations in the right role after getting to know a system. 

Linebacker talent was all over the field in Mobile and it will be hard for the Steelers to go wrong if they reach for one of the very talented players from the pool at the Senior Bowl this week. 

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