One of the biggest questions on the Steelers' depth chart is what to do behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith as edge defenders.
Only rookie sixth round pick Quincy Roche and Cassius Marsh are available for the Steelers to reprieve their starters. Roche talked about his adjustments during rookie camp weeks ago, but Marsh is a veteran with seven years of NFL experience on his seventh team.
After bouncing around for years since being a fourth round pick of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Seahawks, Marsh signed with the Steelers and played two games in 2020.
“I’ll be competing for a rotational pass rusher position," Marsh said to OSDBSports.com's Frank W. Gillispie Saturday. "And you know, that’s the third outside backer, but I’m going in with the intention to do whatever the team needs me to do- special teams roles, defensive roles ... I pretty much go into every season with the same mindset. When I get an opportunity to make plays and help the team, that’s what I do."
Marsh has played in 92 games with nine starts in his career.
"Whatever role the Steelers need me for is the role that I’ll play," Marsh continued. "I’m definitely confident that we’ll win a lot of games this season. It’s a talented team with great coaching, so I don’t know what I’d tell a gambling man, but I would be confident to say that we’ll touch double-digit wins and have a great season, go to the playoffs, and do what we want to do. That’s the goal. That’s the mindset.”
Marsh played 46 snaps in place of Highsmith in the Steelers' playoff loss to the Browns, but only registered two tackles. The Browns ran to his side several times on their way to 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 31 attempts.
But this year, Marsh has several advantages compared to 2020 with OTAs that begin Tuesday and a full training camp. He'll have to fill multiple roles to maximize his value, but this time he'll have a better chance to prepare for what's needed on the Steelers' defense.
