The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Michigan State linebacker Jacoby Windmon as an undrafted free agent. Windmon transferred to Michigan State from UNLV during his fifth season. In 2023, he played in just three games and logged a total of 93 snaps, recording six tackles, four assists, and three stops. As a pass rusher, he tallied three pressures, including a QB hurry, QB hit, and a sack.
According to NFLDraftBuzz.com, Windmon has several strengths as a linebacker. He shows initial quickness and flexibility to dip and bend, along with active hands and sudden movements. Windmon also demonstrates toughness in getting under the pads of tackles, using a variety of techniques to get to the quarterback. He is praised for his ability to work off blockers, counter effectively, and disrupt the backfield as an inside blitzer. Windmon is described as a chase-and-tackle prospect with good instincts and quick reactions on the field.
Despite his strengths, Windmon also has some weaknesses. He may need to be covered up to be effective as a pass rusher and is limited in his ability to bend the edge. He is sometimes slow to react and locate the ball against the run. While Windmon has the skills to play as a 4-3 Mike linebacker, he may be better utilized as a Will linebacker to maximize his range and speed on the field.
In addition to Windmon, the Steelers have also signed several other undrafted free agents, including cornerback Beanie Bishop from West Virginia, outside linebacker Julius Welschof from Charlotte, running back Daijun Edwards from Georgia, and quarterback John Rhys Plumlee from Central Florida. The team is bolstering its roster with talented players who have the potential to make an impact on the field in the upcoming season.
Overall, the addition of Jacoby Windmon to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster provides the team with depth and potential in their linebacker corps. With his strengths in quickness, flexibility, and disruptive playmaking ability, Windmon has the potential to contribute as a valuable asset on defense. While he may need to improve in certain areas, such as reacting faster against the run, Windmon’s signing represents a promising addition for the Steelers as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As the Steelers continue to build their roster through undrafted free agent signings, fans can look forward to seeing how players like Windmon, Bishop, Welschof, Edwards, and Plumlee will impact the team both on and off the field. With an eye towards strengthening their lineup and adding depth at key positions, the Steelers are poised to make a strong showing in the upcoming season with their talented pool of new signings.
