Alex Highsmith Excited about ‘Awesome’ Rotation with T.J. Watt, Melvin Ingram

PITTSBURGH — If there is one thing the Steelers defense has always been known for, it would be their pass rush.

From the 1970s Steel Curtain to Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene, Joey Porter and James Harrison, the Pittsburgh defenses have been terrorizing quarterbacks for 50 years.

That pass rush strength looks to be no different in 2021 as the Steelers added Melvin Ingram to an already strong group with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. For Highsmith, who is heading into his second-year, he couldn’t be more excited to have Ingram on the team.

“So far, Melvin has been great here for us,” Highsmith said. “For me, he’s a guy who i can ask questions to. He’s a veteran, pro bowl guy. We were all excited when we heard he was being brought in.”

For Highsmith specifically, he doesn’t feel as if he’s in a camp battle or a fight with Ingram. Instead, he’s appreciating the rotation and three-deep core that Ingram, himself, and Watt will have together.

“I just know this rotation is gonna be a good one,” Highsmith said. “All three of us feel like we’re gonna be a force to be reckoned with”

Highsmith added that he has noi expectations to start and whatever role he will play, he will put his head down and execute it. As for Ingram’s signing and the role the Steelers will use these players in, a big focus will be on creating interior pressure now that Vince Williams is gone. Highsmith believes the outside linebackers can help do just that.

“I’m just excited that we do have guys that can rush on backs from the B and the A gap,” Highsmith said. “Overall as a team and as a defense I think we’re running in the right direction.”

Highsmith was listed as the starter over Ingram on the team’s first official depth chart. Regardless, however the rotation is chopped up, the Steelers have a solid three-man pass rush at outside linebacker.