In my previous “cream” and “crop” of the linebackers draft class articles, we realize how deep this draft is at the linebacker position.  In the lower third of my rankings, there are, again, players in who represent a tremendous value to any team. Several could provide very specific value to the Steelers. The “dregs” of the linebacker group are:

• Anthony Walker – 6′ 1″ 238 lbs. (ILB)
• Elijah Lee – 6′ 3″ 220 lbs. (ILB)
• Connor Harris – 5′ 11″ 242 lbs. (ILB)
• Duke Riley – 6′ 0″ 232 lbs. (ILB)
• Davonte Fields – 6′ 2″ 236 lbs. (OLB)
• Dawuane Smoot – 6′ 3″ 264 lbs. (OLB)
• Garrett Sickels – 6′ 3″ 261 lbs. (OLB)
• DeMarcus Walker – 6′ 4″ 280 lbs. (OLB)
• Noble Nwachukwu – 6′ 1″ 268 lbs. (OLB)
• Carol Phillips – 6′ 3″ 242 lbs. (OLB)

There are three players I really want to call out here. The truth is most of these players will not be in the Steelers plans. There are at least five or six EDGE prospects I didn’t breakout (like Ejuan Price from Pitt) because I had to cut off the list at some point.

Shall I repeat myself – this draft is deep. In most cases, the players here are backup players, but there are a few potential starters too.

Duke Riley – 6′ 0″ 232 lbs. (ILB)

Duke Riley is a bit undersized, but at the same time, he has skills. He makes plays in the backfield and is decent against the pass. He’s a willing and able tackler.

As stated above, he is a little undersized, but he fits the WILL backer role in a 3-4 scheme. He only had one real year as a starter, so there is concern that he might be the proverbial “one hit wonder”.

Connor Harris – 5′ 11″ 242 lbs. (ILB)

Harris is a “Dirty Red” Matakevitch type player. His role on the Steelers might be to provide special teams depth.

He’s simply too small to become a top-tier starter. But his instincts and nose for the ball will make him an effective backup and potential special teams ace.

Dawuane Smoot – 6′ 3″ 264 lbs. (OLB)

Smoot is another “already got one of them” kind of players. His comparison on NFL.com is to Anthony Chickillo. (How cool is it that Chick’ is getting some props!)

I think Smoot can be a decent backup player, but I don’t see him as a starter. He can, like Harris, contribute on special teams as well. He’s someone I would target in later rounds.

Wrapping up the linebackers

The linebacker position is a priority for the Steelers. Pressure matters too, and will only help the coverage aspect of the defense.

If the Steelers don’t take an OLB/Edge player with the 30th pick, then they are likely going to be dealing with the players in the “Crop” at best, or the “Dregs” at worst. They need one of the players we highlighted in the “Cream” and maybe even double up by grabbing a player in a later round as well.

As I’ve been saying a lot recently – depth is good.

I’m sold on Derek Rivers, but Carl Lawson wouldn’t make me sad either. Takkarist McKinley could brighten my Thursday draft day as well. There is reason to think help is going to be there when the Steelers are set to pick at number 30 in the first round.

I want to be singing “Take me to the Rivers” when the first day of the draft is over – what song do you want to sing Nation?

Next up: Defensive Line