3rd round pick 102 OLB Alex Highsmith

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3rd round pick 102 OLB Alex Highsmith

Post by Steelafan77 » Sat Apr 25, 2020 3:59 am

I know most here don't care for Highsmith. I had him mocked in several drafts here. Try hard kid with some good potential. I like the pick
14. ALEX HIGHSMITH, Charlotte (6-3, 248, 4.70, 4-5): Highsmith was redshirted in 2015 after not being heavily recruited. Backed up in 2016-’17 and started at DE in 2018-’19. His statistics improved every year. “Had a really good game against Clemson (Sept. 21) and then his play kind of leveled off,” one scout said. “He didn’t play with the same motor after playing with his hair on fire against Clemson. Overachiever all the way. A rotational guy that has to play special teams.” Finished with 185 tackles (46 for loss) and 20 sacks. “He has zero strength,” said another scout. “He’s undersized. Looks like a 3-4 outside guy. He worked out pretty good.” Highsmith scored a Wonderlic of 26 and is from Wilmington, N.C.
ALEX HIGHSMITH | Charlotte | EDGE | #5 | rSR | 6031 | 248 | 0918 | 3318 | 7678 | 4.70 | Wilmington, NC | Eugene Ashley | 08.07.97 | EWSB | NIC | 6.6/7.9 | Rd7
Overview: From former walk-on to team captain and All Conference USA First-Team honors, Highsmith has improved as much as any player in college football during his career. An all-out hustler, a bulk of Highsmith’s productions has come based on pure effort and relentless pursuit, which puts him around the ball constantly. He possesses excellent athleticism, along with a noticeable get off and bend/flexibility. Charlotte implemented a 4-2-5 defensive scheme under new coach Will Healy this past season, as Highsmith took on a more hybrid edge rush role; he played 4-3 in 2018 and was a stand up edge rusher during his first two seasons in the 49ers played a 3-4 scheme. His athleticism projects him to be a better 3-4 outside backer prospect but he certainly has the size to play 4-3 end, he would just need to get stronger. Was scrawny coming out of high school and enjoyed a growth spurt when he got to college. Credits the school’s new strength coach for a better understanding of nutrition and intensified workout regime. His first one in, last one out mentality has been echoed by coaches and teammates. Was timed at 4.58 in the spring. A redshirt rookie season to get with a pro strength and conditioning program would serve him well. Background: Played his high school football at Eugene Ashley High School in North Carolina under head coach Michael Propst. He also played basketball and baseball while in high school. After beginning his 49ers career as a walk-on, he earned a scholarship during the summer of 2017. He majored in exercise science with a minor in American Studies while at Charlotte. Career: In 48 games, Highsmith recorded 185 tackles, including 46 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. He also posted five pass breakups and three forced fumbles.



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Post by bradshaw2ben » Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:24 am

I actually really like him. I put him on a futures list three years ago.

Extremely high effort/motor. Wins with upper body strength, dip and rip. Responsible vs run but can get out leveraged at times. He's a solid pick.

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Post by Thrillsseeker » Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:54 am

From walk on to team captain. Impressive to say the least.

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Post by Kodiak » Sat Apr 25, 2020 7:40 am

bradshaw2ben wrote:
Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:24 am

Extremely high effort/motor. Wins with upper body strength, dip and rip. Responsible vs run but can get out leveraged at times. He's a solid pick.
Hmmm....sounds a little like a young James Harrison?.....
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Post by jebrick » Sat Apr 25, 2020 12:05 pm

He is explosive so you can at least work with that. I like the player
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Post by Stosh-67 » Sat Apr 25, 2020 12:28 pm

Tua scored 13
Highsmith 26 on wonderlick.
That pretty high?
What's a very high score?
30+
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Post by bradshaw2ben » Sat Apr 25, 2020 12:42 pm

I think the avg wonder kid is more like 18 or 19.

Highsmith doesn’t have Deebo’s core/base but he’s obviously a weight room junkie.

RonDell Carter is a very similar product (with similar strengths and weaknesses) at JMU and likely to be a Raven... so they’ll be a good comparison for years to come. A solid gold test for Ron’s name theory.

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Post by Steelafan77 » Sat Apr 25, 2020 12:42 pm

@missi_matthews
Alex Highsmith said during his conversation with Coach Tomlin and Kevin Colbert it seemed like he'd be a special teams guy in 2020 and back-up T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree. https://twitter.com/missi_matthews/stat ... 3398576130
@bepryor
GM Kevin Colbert on Alex Highsmith: "He's not going to get a redshirt year." https://twitter.com/bepryor/status/1253900041024090117
I believe he has the potential to outperform Chickillo at both LB'er and ST'er from the gate.... apparently so does Colbert.

That said, whats up with Adeniyi/Skipper? Not figured into the plans going forward? Seems like Adeniyi started ogg hot made a name for himself and then just disappeared. Skipper bounced around a little. Looking forward to them all competing. If there's an off season process this year. OTA's/Camp/Pre-season....

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Post by Jobu » Sat Apr 25, 2020 12:57 pm

Adeniyi and Skipper are pre season superstars...look good against future insurance salesman and Amazon warehouse workers, but not much against legit NFL comp.
Now that doesn’t mean you give up on them, but don’t expect too much either.

Personally, I think Skipper can make it as a backup/role guy. Ola, IMO, doesn’t have it. I expect his next training camp for Pittsburgh will be his last.
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Post by fractalsteel » Sat Apr 25, 2020 1:44 pm

Kodiak wrote:
Sat Apr 25, 2020 7:40 am
bradshaw2ben wrote:
Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:24 am

Extremely high effort/motor. Wins with upper body strength, dip and rip. Responsible vs run but can get out leveraged at times. He's a solid pick.
Hmmm....sounds a little like a young James Harrison?.....
He reminds me more of Chad Brown.
Highsmith isn't going to tunnel underneath OT's like Harrison could and doesn't have the power to shed/toss one either.
He is intriguing because he has some qualities that good pass rushers have.
If you expect him to be a contributor right away you will be disappointed.

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Post by Thrillsseeker » Sat Apr 25, 2020 3:17 pm

I see him as an upgrade on ST’s. On D where yiu would see dirty red now you’ll see someone that isnt chasing plays down every time. More speed, instinct and leadership is always a plus.

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Post by Mick » Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:30 pm

Not a fan of Highsmith, but we’ve had plenty of worse picks and I’m also often wrong about things, so fingers crossed.

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Post by COR-TEN » Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:37 pm

Thrillsseeker wrote:
Sat Apr 25, 2020 3:17 pm
I see him as an upgrade on ST’s. On D where yiu would see dirty red now you’ll see someone that isnt chasing plays down every time. More speed, instinct and leadership is always a plus.
Yeah, but his 40 is 4.7. He looks like he's faster than that, though. He's also quick off the snap from the few highlights I've seen.
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Post by jebrick » Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:51 pm

CORE-TEN wrote:
Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:37 pm
Thrillsseeker wrote:
Sat Apr 25, 2020 3:17 pm
I see him as an upgrade on ST’s. On D where yiu would see dirty red now you’ll see someone that isnt chasing plays down every time. More speed, instinct and leadership is always a plus.
Yeah, but his 40 is 4.7. He looks like he's faster than that, though. He's also quick off the snap from the few highlights I've seen.
Deebo's 40 was a 4.9 as was Stuggs
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Post by COR-TEN » Sat Apr 25, 2020 6:19 pm

jebrick wrote:
Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:51 pm
CORE-TEN wrote:
Sat Apr 25, 2020 4:37 pm
Thrillsseeker wrote:
Sat Apr 25, 2020 3:17 pm
I see him as an upgrade on ST’s. On D where yiu would see dirty red now you’ll see someone that isnt chasing plays down every time. More speed, instinct and leadership is always a plus.
Yeah, but his 40 is 4.7. He looks like he's faster than that, though. He's also quick off the snap from the few highlights I've seen.
Deebo's 40 was a 4.9 as was Stuggs
Don't get me wrong. I don't think he's slow. I like the pick.
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Post by Thrillsseeker » Sun Apr 26, 2020 1:50 am

Instincts helps with game speed. He’ll contribute.

Its weird, our ST’s has sucked for what seems like forever. Dare I say we’re improved?

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Post by Smashmouth21 » Sun Apr 26, 2020 2:14 am

This pick worries me. I never fault a premium selection on EDGE but I’m not sold on a late blooming finesse player with questionable LOC. Hope he surprises.

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Post by SteelerDayTrader » Sun Apr 26, 2020 3:22 am

If Ola can stay healthy and get in a groove he might be something. Skipper IDK ?? He has beat who has faced. Highsmith = Likely better than Chickillo.

Not wild about a boom bust pick at 102 on a bad team with alot of holes.....particularly given I think re-signing DuPree is on the must do list....

But....if the Steelers FINALLY adopt a more wave oriented approach at OLB he could be a nice spare part hopefully. Maybe more.
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Post by franco32 » Sun Apr 26, 2020 2:29 pm

I like the player. He's got great instincts and a nice set of pass rush moves. Pretty good dip and speed around the edge.

He's got a high center of gravity though so he's going to have to get stronger at his base as many have said. If not, he'll be pushed around at the NFL level.

I see him as a situational pass rusher in his first year.

BTW...I'm not down on Ola. I think he's been banged up. Skipper we have to see more of. Clearly, the Steelers really like rotating their OLBs and resting them for the pass rush. Highsmith gives you another toy to do that.

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Post by RemoAZ » Sun Apr 26, 2020 2:48 pm

There was a time when this team was great at getting college DEs and tuning them into really good OLBs. This kid is in that mold of DEs they used to find so often. Now there are a lot more teams running a version of the 3/4 so the guys like this from big programs get snatched up regularly. Hopefully his production wasn't mainly the lack of competition but I think that's the main reason he was available in the 3rd round. That position is so important for this team, a third guy that doesn't cause such a huge drop in performance when one of the two starters are resting would be huge for the defense. Last year the backups had very little chance of contributing anything. He doesn't have to be very good to be an upgrade.
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Post by K_C_ » Sun Apr 26, 2020 3:18 pm

Smashmouth21 wrote:
Sun Apr 26, 2020 2:14 am
This pick worries me. I never fault a premium selection on EDGE but I’m not sold on a late blooming finesse player with questionable LOC. Hope he surprises.
Exactly where I am.
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Post by Quixotic » Mon Apr 27, 2020 1:58 pm

Wasn’t really familiar with him (not a big college fan). But I went and watched his game against Clemson. Basically, playing against an (future) NFL offensive line, he was a real headache. His first step is so fast, he looked offside on a lot of plays. He pursued well (in on plays on the opposite side of the field). Although he only got (I think) one sack, he was collapsing the pocket and creating problems in the Clemson passing game all day (to the degree you can actually have problems in a game you win by 30-ish points). They tended to scheme away from him. And when they went to his side, they gave running back help to the left tackle.

In this small (but significant considering the competition) sample, he looks impressive.

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Post by StillMadAtSlobber » Mon Apr 27, 2020 3:43 pm

Thrillsseeker wrote:
Sun Apr 26, 2020 1:50 am
Instincts helps with game speed. He’ll contribute.

Its weird, our ST’s has sucked for what seems like forever. Dare I say we’re improved?
Did you forget who is the ST coach?
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Post by COR-TEN » Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:02 pm

Quixotic wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 1:58 pm
His first step is so fast, he looked offside on a lot of plays.
I noticed that on his highlight reel. Totally agree. He'll sure be better than Jarvis jones.
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Post by Pabst » Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:14 pm

CORE-TEN wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:02 pm
Quixotic wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 1:58 pm
His first step is so fast, he looked offside on a lot of plays.
I noticed that on his highlight reel. Totally agree. He'll sure be better than Jarvis jones.
Way to go out on a limb :lol:

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Post by Jobu » Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:41 pm

Pabst wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:14 pm
CORE-TEN wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:02 pm
Quixotic wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 1:58 pm
His first step is so fast, he looked offside on a lot of plays.
I noticed that on his highlight reel. Totally agree. He'll sure be better than Jarvis jones.
Way to go out on a limb :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Yeah...that’s not a very high bar. :lol:
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Post by COR-TEN » Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:56 pm

Jobu wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:41 pm
Pabst wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:14 pm
CORE-TEN wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:02 pm
I noticed that on his highlight reel. Totally agree. He'll sure be better than Jarvis jones.
Way to go out on a limb :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Yeah...that’s not a very high bar. :lol:
Just trying to manage expectations. 8-)
Arguing with idiots is like playing chess with a pigeon. No matter how good you are, the pigeon is going to shit on the board and strut around like it won anyway.

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Post by stillthere » Mon Apr 27, 2020 7:24 pm

Quixotic wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 1:58 pm
Wasn’t really familiar with him (not a big college fan). But I went and watched his game against Clemson. Basically, playing against an (future) NFL offensive line, he was a real headache. His first step is so fast, he looked offside on a lot of plays. He pursued well (in on plays on the opposite side of the field). Although he only got (I think) one sack, he was collapsing the pocket and creating problems in the Clemson passing game all day (to the degree you can actually have problems in a game you win by 30-ish points). They tended to scheme away from him. And when they went to his side, they gave running back help to the left tackle.

In this small (but significant considering the competition) sample, he looks impressive.
Heard the Clemson offensive line players said he was a pain in the ass the whole game and was one of the better players they went against all year. For what that is worth.

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Post by Steeldrama » Mon Apr 27, 2020 8:01 pm

Heard the Clemson offensive line players said he was a pain in the ass the whole game and was one of the better players they went against all year. For what that is worth.
I know it's just coincidence but Steelers' drafted another player Clemson players had a lot of respect for:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/good-morning- ... er-to-face
Nick Markakis on Astros: "Every guy over there needs a beating."

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Post by Steelafan77 » Tue Apr 28, 2020 12:09 pm

My hope is Highsmith can come in and compete so far as to push Adeniyi and Skipper to up their play... be nice to have at least 4 tried and proven OLB's throughout the season.

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