Pittsburgh Steelers high on Alex Highsmith’s potential, think he’ll contribute right away
Defensive end Alex Highsmith, a former college walk-on with the Charlotte 49ers, was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of Friday’s NFL draft.
Highsmith, who developed into a third-team Associated Press All-American last season, was the 102nd overall pick. He’s the third player in the 49ers’ seven years of existence to be drafted, following defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi (third round by Cleveland in 2017) and offensive guard Nate Davis (third round by Tennessee in 2019).
“We were impressed with his resume and the development of his skills over that time,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters after Highsmith was chosen. “I wouldn’t necessarily call him raw in terms of techniques when it comes to rush. He’s a football junkie in the way he develops skills relative to his position. Obviously, there is going to be an adjustment as he transfers to the National Football League.”
Highsmith ranked fourth nationally in sacks last season in sacks (14.0) and was fifth in tackles for loss (21.5). He has 49ers records for sacks in a game (4.5), season (14.0) and career (20.0) and tackles-for-loss in a game (5.0) and season (21.5). He’s second on the program’s all time list with 46.0 TFLs and fifth all-time with 185 career tackles.
“You could tell he was above where we thought he might have been,” Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert told reporters. “To end up putting up the stats he did this season, we don’t think this kid is anywhere near where he might be somewhere down the road.”
There appears to be a chance the Steelers could move Highsmith, who at 6-foot-3, 244 pounds is small for a lineman, to linebacker.
Highsmith benefited from Charlotte’s defensive scheme, which first-year coach Will Healy changed from a 4-3 to 4-2-5 last season. It allowed Highsmith more of a chance to rush the quarterback from the edge. Highsmith said he would open to the possibility of switching to linebacker in the pros.
“I know coming into this scheme, that position, I feel I can play,” Highsmith told reporters. “I had my hand in the dirt the past two years, but I’ve been working a lot on my drops, and I’m ready to step into that role.”
Colbert said he expects Highsmith to play immediately.
“He’s not going to get a redshirt year,” Colbert said. “I can’t speak for the coaches but I know coach Tomlin’s expectations, and this young man will contribute when he’s ready. Physically, he’s 6-3, 244 pounds and he can run. Can he get stronger? Sure, they all can. I don’t think anybody is going into this as a redshirt situation. We are going to expect him to come in and contribute.”
Highsmith is the first player under Healy as a head coach to be drafted. Healy was head coach at Austin Peay for three seasons before coming to Charlotte in 2019.
“I’m so excited to watch a guy who does everything the right way be rewarded,” Healy said in a statement. “I couldn’t imagine someone more deserving. Our staff was lucky to have coached him for one year. He was an absolute pleasure to coach. He’s been a great example for everyone here and everybody coming in. They’ve seen what a true professional acts like. His development even over the last year has been spectacular. What a great organization to be a part of. He’ll do everything that organization asks of him.”
Clark goes to Jets
Charlotte 49ers offensive tackle Cameron Clark was taken by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the NFL draft on Saturday.
Clark, 6-foot-3, 316 pounds and the 129th overall pick, holds Charlotte’s program record for career games played (49) and was part of an offensive line that helped produce Conference USA’s top-ranked offense (203.0 yards per game) last season.
“I’m extremely excited. It doesn’t feel real. It’s a dream come true,” Clark said before the draft. “I’m not so anxious now as I will be in a few days. I just feel very fortunate. I feel really blessed. Growing up I never thought this would happen. Even at Charlotte, I just wanted to be the best I could be.”
David Scott: @davidscott14
