A 2020 third-round pick, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith has exceeded expectations, securing the starting job opposite linebacker T.J. Watt. Highsmith capitalized on his 2020 rookie-season flashes to have a strong 2021. As such, there are high expectations for him in 2022, as new Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin highlights in an interview on DVE Radio.
“I think so, because you watched him his first year,” Austin stated regarding Highsmith potentially reaching double-digit sacks in 2022. “I think he had two sacks [as a rookie in 2020] and you know, he missed the number, and then last year I think he was in the six or seven neighborhood and he missed the number, but it was, you know, he was able to finish a little bit better.