The Pittsburgh Steelers were lucky Thursday when outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who might have gone in the top 10, fell to them at No. 22.

Now the Steelers have four No. 1 linebackers -- Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Shazier, Jarvis Jones and Dupree. Once all four get on the field together, the Steelers might have one of the fastest 3-4 linebacking units in recent memory. Shazier, Jones and Dupree could form the linebacking corps that could take the Steelers back to the Super Bowl.

In many ways, the linebacking renovation is similar to what happened along the offensive line and at wide receiver. As has been the Steelers' tradition, the organization’s success is through the draft.

Dupree, Jones and Timmons have speed. Jones has playmaking ability. If this group can come together, the Steelers will have pass-rush ability along with a great ability to chase down running plays.

So much of this game is speed and I can’t think of a linebacking group that offers this much.

The next mission is to improve the secondary and that will be a big emphasis over the final two days of the draft.

Finding a linebacker was a luxury. Jason Worilds surprised the Steelers by retiring, although there was a decent chance they could have lost him to Philadelphia in free agency.

No one is luckier than promoted defensive coordinator Keith Butler. He can use the speed of the linebacking corps to create quarterback pressure that could make it easier to phase in young cornerbacks and safeties.

Had Dupree not dropped to 22, the Steelers might have considered Shane Ray, who had marijuana found in his car earlier this week. My read is the Steelers wouldn’t have taken him in the first round but would have done it if he were available in the second. They would have handled Randy Gregory considerations the same way.

But fortunately for Pittsburgh, Dupree was available and could be a huge addition to the Steelers' defense.