There’s a real possibility that by the time the 2015 NFL draft comes around  the Pittsburgh Steelers could be minus their three best pass-rushing outside linebackers from the 2014 season.  Let’s break down the current status of this position and then look at some potential replacements.

Jarvis Jones-Jones is currently in his second season and under contract. Jones is a former first-round pick who has really failed to live up to expectations to this point.


Jones  has really struggled with his quickness and explosion off the ball and just lets himself get far too deep into the offensive linemen’s chests.  Jones will be on the team next year, but expectations should be tempered for the impact he will have in 2015.

Jason Worilds-Worlds is the team’s best pass rusher, for whatever that is worth.  Worilds parlayed an eight-sack 2013 season into a one-year  transition tag contract worth $9.745 million. Unfortunately, Worilds has only been able to muster 4.5 sacks in 2014. That means he is not going to get the big extension he wants, and if he doesn’t return on a low money deal will be signed elsewhere.

Arthur Moats-Moats was brought in as a free agent from the Buffalo Bills, and has been the most steady of all the outside linebackers. This is more interesting because Moats has no experience in a 3-4 base defense. Moats has four sacks, mostly from his high-energy style of play as opposed to any real pass-rushing ability.

However, Moats is young enough to seriously consider signing to a new contract.

Unfortunately, his value to a 4-3 team could be higher and he might head off to greener pastures.

James Harrison-Harrison was brought in just before the start of the season to try and add some punch to the pass rush.  Harrison has chipped in four sacks, but regardless of his impact this season, he’s made it pretty clear he isn’t coming back for 2015.

Howard Jones-Jones is a rookie defender sitting on the Steelers practice squad. Jones was a pass-rushing terror at tiny Shepherd University, but there’s no way Pittsburgh can count on him to be ready to contribute in 2015.

So where does that leave the Steelers? Basically, they have almost no cap room, so if the pass rush is going to improve, it will be on the strength of the 2015 NFL draft. Here are the top three defensive end/outside linebacker hybrids in this draft the Steelers could target toward the end of the first round.

Keep in mind this list is not comprehensive, and does not include those very top prospect that will likely be off the board well before the Steelers pick in the first round.

Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State-Calhoun was once touted as a high first-round pick, but has struggled in 2014. At 6’4” and 257 pounds, Calhoun has all the physical tools you look for, but will need extensive coaching to improve his pass-rush technique and strength.

Nate Orchard, Utah-Orchard has been incredibly productive during his time at Utah. Orchard’s 18 sacks in 2014 ranks first in the NCAA for the year. He’s a tremendous athlete and can come off the football with a great burst.  Certainly an intriguing prospect.

Eli Harold, Virginia-Harold gets listed last here, but not because he is the worst of these three prospects. In fact, while he doesn’t get the press of Calhoun or Orchard, Harold has been a steady performer for the Virginia defense the past two seasons. Harold is a bit undersized compared to Orchard or Calhoun, which would limit him out of the gate, but he does have tremendous upside.