Steelers All 91: OLB/FB Sutton Smith
All 91 is a Pittsburgh Steelers Now series profiling each of the 91 members of the Steelers 2019 training camp roster.
42 • Sutton Smith, rookie outside linebacker/fullback
Last year: Smith was a monster at Northern Illinois, where he played defensive end. The Steelers plan on using their sixth-round pick in all three phases.
Stats: Broke his own NIU record with 15 sacks in his senior year. Made a total of 61 tackles, 26 1/2 for a loss, forced four fumbles and recovered three. Blocked two kicks and scored two touchdowns.
Accolades, Highlights:
First two-time, first-team All-American in NIU history. Was the MAC defensive player of the year.
https://twitter.com/B_GNation1/status/1139997708222128128
Camp outlook: Smith’s calling cards are versatility and physicality. The Steelers are turning the undersized collegiate defensive end into a three-way player by working him at outside linebacker, fullback and on special teams. How he deals with the workload and knowledge level of three phases of football will be the key to his future.
Projected role: It seems unlikely that the Steelers would invest a draft pick and the time of training Smith to play three positions if they didn’t plan on him making the 53-man roster. He’ll have to fight for a helmet on game days, though.
Coverage links:
The rest of the 91:
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