Steelers Host Perkins for Pre-Draft Workout

0:00It's March 23rd. This is NFL News Today, your AI-powered source for everything in NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers are ramping up their pre-draft workouts by hosting Louisiana State University Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. at their facility. This comes ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where the team I's upgrades at Inside Linebacker. Perkins, a versatile defender, with 35 tackles for loss and eight force fumbles over four college seasons, also has a visit lined up with the Los Angeles Chargers. Earlier this week, Perkins joined other linebackers, like Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez, Pittsburgh's Kyle Lewis, and Georgia CJ Allen, all checking in with the Steelers. Despite some injury-setbacks in college, Perkins stands out for his athleticism and potential as a mid-round pick, possibly in the fourth or fifth round. The team's current Inside Linebacker group struggled last season, with starters showing inconsistencies and coverage, run defense, and overall impact.

1:02Patrick Queen battled injuries, but delivered around 100 tackles, while Peyton Wilson and Malik Harrison fell short in key areas, leaving the position then heading into next year. Meanwhile, trade talks for Queen heated up at the start of the league year, with interest from teams like the Dallas Cowboys, though nothing stuck. Now in the final year of his big contract, the Steelers paid his roster bonus, but continue scouting replacements, signaling uncertainty at the spot. With the draft just weeks away, these moves hint at big changes for Pittsburgh's defense, keeping fans on edge for what could reshape the linebacker.