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Steelers like LBs, just not in first round
The Steelers' 3-4 defense is built around its linebackers.
With the emergence of Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley - Pittsburgh's top two draft picks in 2007 - the Steelers' current group of linebackers is arguably the best in the NFL.
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Inside linebacker James Farrior topped 100 tackles for the fourth time in six seasons, and Larry Foote shared time with Timmons, giving the Steelers depth and flexibility at linebacker.
Behind those five are special-teams ace Keyaron Fox, Arnold Harrison, Andre Frazier, Bruce Davis - a third-round draft pick last year - and Patrick Bailey, the Steelers' rookie of the year last season.
The position isn't stacked with future starters in waiting, but it's not exactly hurting for talent.
That's because the Steelers have selected at least one linebacker in every draft this decade except for one, 2006, showing how committed they are to the position.
When the NFL draft is held April 25-26, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Steelers select a linebacker. Harrison and Farrior are in their 30s, and Foote will be a free agent after next season.
Wake Forest's Aaron Curry, a 6-4, 240-pound tackling machine, is considered the top linebacker in this draft and might be the No. 1 overall pick.
Also considered first-rounders is the USC trio of Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews Jr.
Ohio State inside linebacker James Laurinaitis also should be selected in the first round.
The Steelers view a number of other potential first-rounders as outside linebackers in their defensive system, though the players played defensive end in college. They could play that position by teams that use a 4-3 scheme. That group includes Texas' Brian Orakpo, Florida State's Everette Brown and Penn State's Aaron Maybin.
With more teams using the 3-4 defense than 10 years ago, the chances those players will be asked to play linebacker instead of defensive end is about 50-50.
Given their needs at other positions, it's unlikely the Steelers will select a linebacker in the first round.
After that, however, anything is possible.
Pitt inside linebacker Scott McKillop led the Big East in tackles the past two seasons and could interest the Steelers as a special-teams player and future replacement for Farrior or Foote.
Pittsburgh has shown interest in Richmond's Lawrence Sidbury, a 6-2, 267-pound defensive end who could move to linebacker. He's considered a second- or third-round prospect.
The Steelers had great success bringing in undrafted rookies at linebacker and having them contribute. James Harrison, Frazier, Arnold Harrison and Bailey each were undrafted free agents.
Players who might intrigue the Steelers if they go undrafted include Oregon's Nick Reed, Illinois' William Davis, Michigan State's Brandon Long and West Virginia's Morty Ivy.
