Summary

Patrick Queen was selected in the 1st Round (#28 Overall) in the 2020 Draft out of LSU. Queen has evolved from a raw but explosive athlete into a polished, every-down linebacker. His strengths — elite range, versatility in coverage, and steady improvement in instincts — make him one of the most complete linebackers in the AFC. His weaknesses mostly relate to size and occasional over-aggression, but his progress each season and newfound leadership role in Pittsburgh suggest he’s entering his prime as a defensive difference-maker.

Strengths

• Sideline-to-sideline range: Queen is one of the fastest linebackers in football, with elite lateral movement and closing burst. His speed allows him to chase down plays from behind, contain outside runs, and cover tight ends or running backs in space.

• Improved play recognition and instincts: Early in his career, Queen relied heavily on speed; now he diagnoses plays more effectively and reacts faster to blocking schemes. Film shows much better discipline in run fits and coverage drops since his rookie season.

• Coverage versatility: Can handle both man and zone responsibilities — a valuable asset in today’s pass-heavy NFL. His agility allows him to match up with athletic TEs and backs, while his awareness in zone has steadily improved.

• Blitzing and pass-rush ability: Excellent timing and burst as a blitzer; uses his acceleration to pressure QBs from inside gaps. Registered multiple seasons with 3+ sacks as an off-ball linebacker.

• Durability and reliability: Has played in every game since entering the league — a mark of toughness and consistency. Rarely comes off the field, showing stamina and leadership in all defensive packages.

• Leadership and growth: Matured significantly during his time in Baltimore, forming one of the NFL’s best LB tandems alongside Roquan Smith. Brings energy and communication skills that boost defensive chemistry — qualities the Steelers specifically targeted in free agency.

Weaknesses

• Size and play strength limitations: At around 230 lbs, Queen can be overwhelmed by larger interior linemen when they reach the second level. Needs to maintain strong leverage and hand usage to avoid getting washed out in power run situations.

• Early inconsistency (still occasionally flashes): Though improved, he can still overpursue or take aggressive angles that open cutback lanes. Occasionally bites on play-action or misdirection, allowing delayed routes behind him.

• Tackling efficiency: While generally reliable, there are occasional missed tackles in space due to overaggression or taking poor pursuit angles. Needs to stay controlled and wrap up rather than relying on speed-based collisions.

• Limited elite production in turnovers: While solid in coverage, he hasn’t produced many interceptions or forced fumbles relative to other top-tier LBs — more of a disruptor than a turnover machine.

Fit & Outlook

In Pittsburgh, Queen projects as the defensive centerpiece of the Steelers’ linebacking corps — a true every-down player who can cover, blitz, and command the defense. His combination of range, coverage ability, and leadership gives the Steelers a modern three-down linebacker who fits well in their aggressive, hybrid front. If he continues to refine his discipline and tackling, Queen could reach All-Pro consideration in the near future.