High Hopes for Highsmith in 2021

[Steeler Nation]

By: Jonathan Clark SteelerNation.com   After the first part of the 2020 season, when asked about the production on the defensive side of the ball, you could not have had a credible conversation regarding the topic without mentioning OLB Bud Dupree’s name in a positive fashion. While our front four on the defensive side has […]

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[slashsteel]

I have some confidence but it isn't an overwhelming amount. He is a drop off from Bud until he proves he isn't. We also have nobody worth a **** behind him. They will need to draft a OLBer for depth and competition provided they can't bring Bud back for a year to prove it deal.

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[TDX27]

10+ sacks for Highsmith in 2021 assuming he is healthy.

 

[Drink IRON City]

I think everyone would like BUD to come back even if for just one year. I also think many know if he is back he won't be taking up exactly where he left off. It will take an adjustment period to get back to full playing strength and football moves. I'd think about 1/2 way through season we could see him near full strength.

On the other hand, Alex Highsmith was a pleasant surprise. He did real well considering rookie with no OTAs etc.. I won't count Alex out even should BUD return, initially the competition will be close and from there see how BUD is healing / strengthening / playing.



Great read Jonathan and thank you. I agree that Highsmith has the potential to keep things going.



Salute the nation

 

[SteelerSask2]

I have some confidence but it isn't an overwhelming amount. He is a drop off from Bud until he proves he isn't. We also have nobody worth a **** behind him. They will need to draft a OLBer for depth and competition provided they can't bring Bud back for a year to prove it deal.

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This sounds about right to me. Physically he looks a bit Woodley. That said people translate a little success in year one into a lot in year two. Not necessarily true. There will be several starters gone from this team. Bud and Juju are about as certainly gone as you can get. The open market will be kinder to them then the Steelers can afford. I really like Conner the person, but I don't see him back. He got all trained up last season and ran for a little over 700 yards in 13 games. Then there will be cap casualties in the secondary likely Haden. Another guy I don't think they have a hope on is Hilton. They strung him along forever on low level UFA contracts. He probably cannot leave town fast enough for him.

 

[Steelers1356]

Yes he's a drop-off front the 2020 Dupree but he's a rookie so that's to be expected. I believe he's ahead of where Dupree was as a rookie and will only get better.

 

[SteelerinMD]

Hopefully he spends the offseason with TJ and the Watts working out and honing their crafts!

 

[Supersteeler]

I think he definitely shows promise, especially for being a rookie 3rd round pick and he got better as the year went on. Should be interesting to see his progression in year 2.

 

[steel dino]

The only way Bud is back is if we move TJ to Houston for Watson.

Although there are some "whispers" along that line...I doubt highly it happens.