Steelers New ILB Group Named Weakest in NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new linebacker core, but it's still not impressive to some outlets.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers went out and signed two brand new inside linebackers, while at the same time, letting two of their formers sign elsewhere and releasing Myles Jack. 

It was a complete rebuild of the position after a few down years trying to find answers. But even now, with a new group heading into 2023, they're still looked at as "the weakest" inside linebacker room in the NFL. 

Listing the NFL's weakest position groups, Pro Football Focus highlighted the signings of Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts as not enough to make a significant change for the Steelers. 

"The Steelers were seemingly unhappy with their linebacker performance in 2022, as they released Myles Jack while letting free agents Devin Bush and Robert Spillane walk in free agency. However, it is debatable whether they have managed to upgrade the position over the last month. Pittsburgh brought in free agents Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts to replace its departed linebackers. Holcomb, a former fifth-round pick, had a promising sophomore campaign but has failed to live up to that potential in his two seasons since, as he missed more than half of the 2022 season and has yet to play more than 800 snaps in a season. Roberts, on the other hand, played mostly a situational role at his previous stops, as he never played more than 700 snaps in a season and earned an overall grade over 60.0 just once since his rookie season in 2016," PFF writes. 

Holcomb is coming back from a foot injury last season but prior to his Week 7 departure, he was on pace for a career-high season. The year before, he recorded 142 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass deflections. 

Roberts does bring more a veteran thumber feel that could work in Pittsburgh's defense if utilized correctly. He's likely not a three-down linebacker for the Steelers, but with Mark Robinson, Keanu Neal having linebacker experience, and a potential NFL Draft pick, there's an opportunity to find the perfect role for Roberts as a run-stuffer. 

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