A closer look at the areas the Pittsburgh Steelers could address in the draft. Next is our look at the outside linebacker prospects, which are scheduled to work out Sunday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
Position of need: The Steelers managed just 33 sacks in 2014, their lowest total since 1989, and that is not the only reason why they may need an influx of talent at outside linebacker. No position could get hit harder in free agency as Jason Worilds, James Harrison and Arthur Moats all hit the open market on March 10 if the Steelers don’t re-sign them before then.
Three outside linebacker prospects the Steelers could target in the draft:
Alvin “Bud” Dupree, LB, Kentucky: Explosive and fast, Dupree is expected to test well at the combine, which could solidify his standing as a first-round draft pick. Dupree played some 3-4 outside linebacker even though he was a defensive end in Kentucky’s hybrid defense. The 6-foot-3, 268-pounder recorded 23½ career sacks and 38 tackles for losses at Kentucky and he could be the fourth edge pass rusher drafted after Nebraska’s Randy Gregory, Missouri’s Shane Ray and Florida’s Dante Fowler. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Dupree as the 25th-best player in the draft.
Lorenzo Mauldin, LB, Louisville: Mauldin is a high-character prospect who overcame a tough background -- he grew up in and out of foster homes -- to excel at Louisville. The 6-4, 256-pound player recorded 20½ career sacks and is relentless, playing with the kind of urgency that reflects his background and belief that failure is not an option. Mauldin, who played both defensive end and outside linebacker for the Cardinals, does not project as a first-round selection. But he could be an option for the Steelers in the second round if they don’t take an outside linebacker prospect with their top pick.
Nate Orchard, LB, Utah: The 6-4, 255-pounder had a monster senior season, recording 17½ sacks and 20 tackles for losses and winning the Hendricks Award, given to the top defensive end in college football. Orchard, who signed with Utah as a wide receiver coming out of high school, continued to bolster his stock at the Senior Bowl. He flashed during the practices leading up to the annual all-star game and is widely projected as a second-round pick. One concern the Steelers could have is Orchard is not especially stout against the run. But he has the speed and athleticism to get to the quarterback and Orchard’s best football may be in front of him.