(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
While the Miles Killebrew signing has mostly gone under the radar for Steelers fans, the arrival of the former Detroit Lion is significant as it likely marks the end of Jordan Dangerfield's tenure in Pittsburgh. Dangerfield has been the Steelers' special teams ace for the last few seasons.
Killebrew, listed as a safety, is also an impact special teamer. He amassed 12 special teams tackles last season, tied for 10th in the league. Killebrew should fill in perfectly for Dangerfield and could also assume an emergency role in the secondary.
Let's take a look at a few clips from his 2020-2021 film to get a better feel.
On the kickoff unit, Killebrew flashes high-level effort and athleticism. Whether or not he's the first man down the field, he plays with good vision and lateral quickness. Check out how he fights through a block to make an impressive open-field tackle on this play. Killebrew is number 35, third guy in on the left.
Here's Killebrew showing off his physicality while playing the right-wing in punt protection. He sticks the linebacker and takes a great angle to finish the play. I really liked the rep because it shows off his special teams IQ.
And here he is rushing the interior to block a punt. Killebrew's versatility on specials should make him a valuable asset to the roster.
While Dangerfield was a fan favorite for many, Killebrew should be able to provide equal or better productivity for cheap. He may not see the field much on defense, but he figures to be a key component of a special teams unit the needs to improve, as the Steelers ranked 25th overall in opponent kick return yards and 29th in opponent punt return yards.
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