The Pittsburgh Steelers are finding depth in all the right places. Former undrafted linebacker Ola Adeniyi is showing out in the early weeks of training camp. Adeniyi, who spent all of last year on injured reserve, is looking to earn a spot as a backup linebacker.
Adeniyi was signed as an undrafted rookie out of Toledo last year, and promptly proved why he deserved a spot on the team. Throughout the 2018 preseason, he led the Steelers in sacks.
Unfortunately, he was placed on the IR for the entirety of last season, and now has to prove himself again to the Steelers staff.
According to Gil Brandt, the former Rocket has looked impressive.
My scouts in Pittsburgh keep raving about LB Ola Adeniyi, undrafted in 2018 out of Toledo. He's picked up where he left off last year when he led Steelers in preseason sacks before going on IR. Nobody can block him. Ran 4.83 at pro day with 26 lifts, but nothing else stood out.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) July 29, 2019
This bodes well for both Adeniyi and the Steelers, as the depth at outside linebacker is less than inspiring.
The biggest competition is Anthony Chickillo, who has never been a capable pass rusher. Adeniyi should have no problem beating him out for the reserve role. This is also a contract year for Bud Dupree, someone who never lived up to his first-round draft grade.
Assuming Adeniyi performs well this season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him start at linebacker in future, as Bud Dupree will likely hit free agency.
If the former Rocket can continue to improve, he will become an important part of the defense. A pass-rushing rotation of TJ Watt, Dupree, and Adeniyi will frustrate offensive linemen.
Thanks to his impressive camp performance, Ola Adeniyi will have the chance to add some punch to the pass rush.
Follow Us
Subscribe