Steelers Land Malik Harrison: Inside ILB's Athletic Upsurge That Made Him NFL's Top Pick

The 2021 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have finally found their long-time missing piece - inside linebacker Malik Harrison. The second-round pick has already generated a lot of buzz among Steelers fans, and for good reason. Harrison's impressive athletic upsurge has made him a top prospect in the league, and the Steelers are reaping the benefits of his hard work and dedication.

The Steelers' decision to select Harrison with the 56th overall pick may seem like a surprise to some, but it's a move that will pay off in the long run. Harrison's combination of size, speed, and agility make him an ideal fit for the Steelers' defense, and his impressive college statistics are a testament to his potential.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Harrison's journey from a small college program to the NFL, and what makes him such a valuable asset to the Steelers. We'll also explore what Harrison's arrival means for the Steelers' defense and the future of the team.

Malik Harrison's Early Life and High School Career

Malik Harrison grew up in Lewis Center, Ohio, and played football at Thomas Worthington High School. At the time, Harrison was considered a three-star recruit, but he quickly made a name for himself on the field with his impressive combination of speed and agility.

Harrison's high school stats were impressive, to say the least. He recorded 131 tackles, 15 sacks, and 2 interceptions in his senior season, earning him All-Ohio and All-Central District honors.

Harrison's College Years

After high school, Harrison committed to Ohio State University, where he would spend the next three years honing his skills and preparing for the NFL. At Ohio State, Harrison started every game of his senior season, recording 114 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

Harrison's impressive college career was marked by a series of standout performances, including a 15-tackle, 1-sack performance against Michigan State in 2019. His performance that day earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Harrison's Draft Process

The 2021 NFL Draft was one of the most anticipated events of the year, with top prospects from around the country vying for a chance to join their favorite teams. Harrison was no exception, and he did everything in his power to make himself a top prospect.

Throughout the draft process, Harrison worked tirelessly to improve his game, attending workouts and interviews with NFL teams. He also made sure to showcase his skills on social media, using his platforms to promote himself and his abilities.

Harrison's Athletic Upsurge

So what made Harrison an NFL prospect? The answer lies in his athletic ability. Harrison's combination of size, speed, and agility makes him an ideal fit for the middle linebacker position.

At 6'2" and 230 pounds, Harrison has the size and strength to match up with opposing tight ends and running backs. But he's also quick and agile, with the ability to cover tight ends and make tackles in the open field.

Harrison's speed is particularly noteworthy, as he recorded a 4.52 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. This speed allows him to keep up with opposing receivers and tight ends, making him a valuable asset to the Steelers' defense.

What Makes Harrison a Top Pick

So what makes Harrison a top pick in the NFL Draft? Here are a few key factors:

• Size and strength: Harrison's size and strength make him an ideal fit for the middle linebacker position.
• Speed and agility: Harrison's speed and agility allow him to keep up with opposing receivers and tight ends.
• Football IQ: Harrison's football IQ is excellent, allowing him to read plays and make smart decisions on the field.
• Work ethic: Harrison's work ethic is renowned, and he's spent countless hours in the gym and on the field to improve his game.

Harrison's Role with the Steelers

Now that Harrison has joined the Steelers, what role will he play on the team? The answer lies in the Steelers' defensive scheme.

The Steelers have a long history of playing a 3-4 defense, which emphasizes the importance of the middle linebacker position. With Harrison on board, the Steelers now have a player who can fill that void and make a real impact on the field.

Harrison's skills and abilities make him a perfect fit for the Steelers' defense, and he's already generated a lot of buzz among Steelers fans. But how will he fit in with the rest of the team?

Harrison's Opportunities with the Steelers

So what opportunities will Harrison have with the Steelers? Here are a few key ones:

• Starting middle linebacker: With Harrison on board, the Steelers now have a player who can start at the middle linebacker position.
• Defensive depth chart: Harrison's arrival adds depth to the Steelers' defensive depth chart, and he'll have opportunities to contribute on special teams as well.
• Coaching staff: Harrison will have the opportunity to work with the Steelers' coaching staff, who are known for their ability to develop young players.

How Harrison Fits into the Steelers' Defense

So how does Harrison fit into the Steelers' defense? The answer lies in the team's defensive scheme.

The Steelers have a 3-4 defense, which emphasizes the importance of the middle linebacker position. With Harrison on board, the Steelers now have a player who can fill that void and make a real impact on the field.

Harrison's skills and abilities make him a perfect fit for the Steelers' defense, and he's already generated a lot of buzz among Steelers fans. But how will he contribute to the team's defensive success?

Harrison's Impact on the Steelers' Defense

So how will