Recently a new position in the NFL has been coined: the “Moneybacker”. Also referred to as a $LB, this position is a hybrid role that takes a safety and plays them in the secondary, along with playing in “the box”, closer to the line of scrimmage.

It’s reminiscent of how the Steelers used Troy Polamalu, but it was the Arizona Cardinals’ use of Deone Bucannon that coined the term. On his own website, Bucannon described how this term originated:

“I don’t know exactly when people started calling me a ‘moneybacker’ but what I remember is during my rookie season, coach would continue to use me in defensive packages such as the ‘nickel’ or ‘dime’, etc. which basically meant my position or role was to move up from the safety position and play ‘in the box’ meaning close to the defensive line.

Man, I really didn’t care where I played as long as I was on the field. I’d do anything to help my team out and if they wanted me to play ‘in the box’ then that’s where I would play. Later coach started using the symbol of $LB to identify my position on the board during meetings since I wasn’t a true safety, nor a true linebacker. I prefer the name land shark.

God gave me this ability to play in the box (like a linebacker), as well as the ability to cover people (like a safety). As long as I’m on the field helping my team out, that’s all that matters to me!”

Like past NFL trends, such as the Wildcat or the Read Option, several teams are now trying to adapt for their own $LB.

The problem: getting a $LB isn’t as easy as it seems. Finding a player that checks all of the right boxes (size, speed, and athleticism) can be a daunting task.

In the 2016 NFL Draft, many experts pinned safety Jeremy Cash, from Duke, as one of the best $LB prospects of the draft class. However, due to his lack of athleticism and speed, he ended up going undrafted.

Heading into the 2017 draft, there is one player that many see as a picture perfect $LB: Obi Melifonwu from Connecticut.

Melifonwu was one of the biggest stars of the NFL Combine after running a 4.4 40-yard dash (first among his position), having a 44.0″ vertical jump (also first), and a 141.0″ broad jump (again finishing first, with an all-time combine record). What makes these numbers even more astounding is the fact that Melifonwu is a physical specimen. At 6’4″ tall and weighing 224 lbs., you could call him a “freak”.

If these numbers entice you, then you’ll be happy to know that the Steelers have shown interest in Melifonwu, and intend to bring him in for a pre-draft visit.

UConn safety Obi Melifonwu to visit Steelers, Seahawks, Saints https://t.co/cK7LNr3i3B

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 12, 2017

While many predict the Steelers will draft an edge rusher or cornerback in the first round, selecting a $LB like Melifonwu would make sense. Melifonwu would fit the system, and have a defined role defensive coordinator Keith Butler‘s defense.

With Lawrence Timmons now in Miami, Vince Williams is projected to be the Steelers starting middle linebacker alongside Ryan Shazier. Like Timmons, Williams may struggle in pass coverage, and could be exploited by quick receivers. The Steelers would be able to substitute a $LB into nickel and dime packages; these are formations in which defensive lineman and linebackers leave the field for defensive backs.

In obvious passing situations, having a $LB would bring a lot of versatility to the defense. An issue with nickel and dime defense is that it’s weaker versus the run compared to the base 3-4. Defensive backs often lack the physicality of lineman and linebackers, and aren’t as effective when facing blocks from other lineman or fullbacks, and at times have difficulty bringing down running backs.

A $LB is beneficial because they are normally bigger players than your run-of-the-mill defensive backs, and therefore, should be more proficient versus the run.

A moneybacker would also allow Sean Davis to be moved around, allowing his versatility to be better utilized. Early in his rookie season, Davis was used primarily as the team’s slot cornerback. Though his true, and best position is strong safety, Davis is a chess piece that can be moved around the secondary.

Though a $LB could be seen as a luxury pick, given Pittsburgh’s need at edge rusher (and possibly cornerback) this new player would be able to immediately contribute to the defense. Athleticism, size, and speed has been a common factor among the Steelers recent draft picks, and a $LB would fit the bill perfectly.