by Bo Marchionte 

Last season Pittsburgh boasted one of the most productive pass rushing tandems in the NFL. The combination of T.J. Watt (14.5) and Bud Dupree (11.5) tallied 26 combined sacks and helped the Steelers remain in the wildcard race until the final week of the regular season.

“I truly believe they are the best pass rushing duo off the edge in this League,” said Alex Highsmith during the Zoom interview when referring to both Watt and Dupree. “There is a reason why they’re so productive. I am just ready to learn from them and contribute any way I can.”

Watt is becoming the face of the franchise and should be wearing the black-n-gold for the foreseeable future.

This is where the importance of the Steelers third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft becomes so important.

Dupree signed the franchise tag in April and will be paid $15.82 this season if the NFL plays a complete schedule. He later filed a grievance, feeling he should be paid as a defensive end as part of the league’s franchise tag payment structure. The franchise-tag tender for defensive ends, however, is $17.788 million – a difference of nearly $2 million.

Alex Highsmith was that third-round selection.

He was incredibly productive during his final season at Charlotte ranking fourth in the nation in sacks (14.0) and fifth in TFLs (21.5). He became the first 49er to earn all-America honors and increased his draft stock at both the East West Shrine Bowl and NFL Combine.

“For me as a rookie, it’s just awesome to be able to get into the building and start doing stuff,” said Highsmith sporting a mask during his Zoom conference call with the media. “For me, personally, it’s really coming in here no matter what the circumstances are coming in not afraid to work doing whatever I can to be the best I can be.”

With the future of Dupree’s career in Pittsburgh likely one more season it will be imperative that Highsmith catches on quickly and begins to carve out a foundation within the organization.

The former walk-on did not start until his redshirt junior year at Charlotte but indicated to College2Pro.com earlier this year that becoming a first-team conference player really helped build his confidence.

Photo Credit Steelers Media