Steelers Meet With Versatile Michigan OLB Josh Uche

The Steelers could be dipping into the pool of an edge class that Kevin Colbert described as ‘deep’, and one guy they could look at is outside linebacker Josh Uche.

The standout Michigan pass rusher said that he had an informal meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Combine. And the Michigan ties were an integral part of their conversation.

“We talked about Devin Bush a little bit. Just his style of play, what they look for out of their linebackers,” Uche said.

Uche was asked about Mel Kiper’s comment that he ‘looks like a Steeler’ and raved about his respect for the Steelers organization.

“Who wouldn’t want to play for such an amazing organization like them and get to be with my boy, D. Bush and wreak some havoc? That would be awesome,” Uche exclaimed.

Uche had a standout week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl back in January, where he was able to show off his hybrid nature. And with playing both off-ball linebacker and pass rusher, Uche has polished up his games by watching multiple guys.

“I’ve been watching them (Lorenzo Alexander and Devon Kennard) for three years. I’ve been watching Von Miller since I can remember,” Uche said. “Just seeing the way they play the game, the way they bend, their counter moves and all of that, and trying to implement it into my game.”

As a true 3-4 outside linebacker, Uche is known for having great bend on his tape. He is able to run that tight arc around offensive tackles to get sacks. In that hybrid role, Uche was able to pick up 14.5 sacks over the past two seasons.

“I’ve always liked running the hoop. I’ve been doing that since I was little,” Uche noted. And I’ve been tweaking it, perfecting it, and making the angle more aggressive.”