The Steelers are still trying to rebuild a defense that was memorably described by Warren Sapp as “old, slow and it’s over.” They’ve just added a linebacker who is anything but old and slow.
Ryan Shazier, a 21-year-old Ohio State linebacker with blazing speed, is the first-round pick of the Steelers. Pittsburgh selected Shazier at No. 15 and didn’t take much time off the clock before turning in their pick, which suggests that they love Shazier and were thrilled to see he was still available.
Shazier, who ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, was an All-American as a junior at Ohio State last year, and he showed great athleticism and versatility on the field.
The biggest question is whether Shazier is an inside linebacker or an outside linebacker. Either way, Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will make good use of him.