player. 55. Linebackers are the lifeblood of a 3-4 defense. No team knows this better than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Thus far they’ve attempted to reload their corps since its height in 2008 but thus far their success has been mixed. James Harrison is getting ancient, Jarvis Jones is a bust and Bud Dupree is injured. This teams can’t afford to let up at that position until they’re certain they have enough bodies in place to make this defense work. Otherwise they’ll be forced to win shootouts too often.
<p>Thankfully the 2017 class has some top quality options. Nabbing Tim Williams from Alabama would be quite the coups for them. He’s got the classic linebacker body. A bit undersized for defensive line, he’s got the speed, acceleration and athleticism made for outside linebacker. When he has a big defensive front to protect him, he can be a nightmare for tackles on the edge. A violent rusher who can finish with aggression. Perhaps a liability in the run game, but perfectly suited for what the Steelers need.</p>. OLB. Alabama. Tim Williams . 26