Analysis
What Ourlads' Scouting Services said about ALEX HIGHSMITH before he made the Pittsburgh Steelers' Depth Chart: UNC Charlotte, 6031 248 4.69. Two-year starter and former walk-on, Wilmington, NC. Earned first-team All Conference USA both seasons while adding a third-team All America accolade in 2019. He set and then broke, Charlotte’s single season tackle-for-loss record the past two years. Showed flashes of dominance despite the lack of ideal tools when it comes to size and speed. Has a lot of inconsistencies that stem from a lack of power and pure explosion, but in a game and specific role where a lot of the action is played in a phone booth, his quickness and low center of gravity along with crafty hands and footwork could carve out a role for him as a situational edge rusher. Plays low to the ground capable of quick, late change of direction. Balanced athlete with minimal waste of time and movement. Gets off the ball in a hurry and puts the blocker in defense-mode right away. Can switch up his approach and alter his plan on the fly. Has a bag full of developed rush moves, showing effectiveness from both his hands and feet. Can play a technician’s game. Can dip his shoulder late and miss the tackle’s punch. Makes himself small and slippery while maintaining his top power. Blue-collar player that is smart and tough. Lacks a pro-caliber power game. Will get overwhelmed against the bigger blockers coming downhill at him. Gets swallowed in pass protection at times. Hard time with secondary moves. May not have a frame to pack on too much more weight.2019 stats: 75 T, 21.5 TFL, 14 sacks, 3 PBU, 8 QBH, 1 FF. Edge speed:left 1.97, right 2.11. OSR:27/51. Fifth/sixth round. (A-33 1/8, H-9 1/8, BP-DNP, SS-4.31).