Outside linebacker T.J. Watt has yet to secure a starting job in the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense, but veteran James Harrison said Wednesday he's "fine" with moving to a backup role if the rookie is eventually promoted.
"I'll be fine, whatever they want me to do," Harrison said, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler. "Whatever they want, I'm good."
Entering Week 2 of the preseason, Harrison remains the starting right outside linebacker on the Steelers'depth chart.
And based on the way he performed last year, he may not relinquish that role quickly.
According toPro Football Focus, the 39-year-old finished 2016 with the highest overall grade (86.7) among all players in the Steelers' front-seven.
That said, Watt's pass-rushing potential appears tantalizing.
Not only did the 2017 first-round pick notch two sacks in his first preseason game last Thursday against the New York Giants, but he finished with the highestPFF gradeamong players who suited up for the exhibition tilt.
Watt figures to see his snaps increase as the season progresses, but so long as Harrison is healthy, head coach Mike Tomlin will have the luxury of rotating two physically imposing presences on the edge as a way to fortify Pittsburgh's pass rush.
