Do you remember the last time the Steelers went to the podium at the NFL Draft and did not select a linebacker?

Well, it wasn’t that long ago (2012, G David DeCastro) but it sure feels that way.

The Last 3 First Round Picks

Over the last 3 years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have used their top selection on a linebacker. Those first round picks started in 2013 with Pittsburgh taking Jarvis Jones, and continued in 2014 and 2015, with the selections of Ryan Shazier and Bud Dupree.

The Veterans

After pairing the aforementioned young studs with nasty veterans Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison, one would think the Steelers are through with stocking up on the second level of their defense.

But what if they’re not?

This may sound like a crazy idea, but it’s not as far out there as one might think. James Harrison, who turns 38 in May, appears to be returning for one more NFL season. Unless he pulls a Charles Woodson, this will likely be Deebo’s black-and-gold finale.

The Other Options

The Steelers will still have their other backup option, Arthur Moats, through 2017, but could be looking to replace Jarvis Jones, who could become a free agent next season. If Jones excels, the Steelers could exercise a 5th-year option on the LB, since he was a first round pick. That would give the team two of their outside options through the following season, or if Jones falters, they could be without two options entering the 2017 free agency period (either keeping Moats and Jones, or losing Jones and Harrison.)

The Steelers also lost Sean Spence, temporarily replacing him with former Titan Steven Johnson on a one-year deal. He could join Timmons (who has a $16 million cap hit this season) and Vince Williams as free agents next year.

That would leave Ryan Shazier as the only proven commodity on the inside, with Bud Dupree and Moats on the outside.

A Pair of 6th Round Picks

Which leaves me to a conversation that sparked this idea on YouTube: what about Jordan Zumwalt and Anthony Chickillo? Both were 6th round choices, in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Zumwalt has been challenged to stay off of injured reserve, but could play inside and outside. The question is if his health will give him the opportunity to compete for a roster spot, or if the Steelers have seen enough and are biding their time before releasing the former UCLA standout.

Chickillo may have a more promising future, having played in 7 games last season, but mostly on special teams and having a very limited amount of reps. In other words, we don’t know who he is yet either.

Maybe… Maybe Not

This points to the wild notion that the Steelers might ignore other needs (yes, I hear your desperate crys for DBs) and use an unprecedented 4th straight first round selection on a linebacker.

While the arguments for sound logical, the current stock of players visiting the team suggest that this may not be the case, and that the Steelers feel comfortable with their linebacker corps., at least for one more season.