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Steelers cornerback depth chart: Where does It stand after Boykin trade?

By Zack Goncz

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So the Steelers added yet another cornerback when they traded for Brandon Boykin of the Philadelphia Eagles. Initially Steeler nation gave positive feedback. It’s always nice to add a solid player to a struggling unit. The Steelers have added a lot to this unit however, more than necessary, so who will be the odd man out?

The Steelers traded a conditional 5th round pick for Eagles corner Brandon Boykin. It could become a 4th round pick based on playing time but it would still be worth it if he becomes the starting corner so many have predicted.

Obviously, the Steelers need better corner play after finishing 27th in passing yards allowed. The Eagles have the opposite problem. They signed Byron Maxwell and drafted 2 corners they’re confident can start playing out of the gate.

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Boykin is a very talented cornerback but with the Eagles having a glut of talent at the position he was just the third wheel in Chip Kelly’s ongoing quest to get rid of players he didn’t draft or acquire, lucky for us. He began shopping Boykin around and only now did the Steelers pull the trigger.

But why? If they could have gotten him earlier, why wait until training camp and have him need to catch up? Well part of the reason could be the injury that Senquez Golson. He started off camp on the PUP list and as a rookie it does not bode well for his playing time.

With that being unknown however, the following corners on the Steelers could potentially make the roster: Cortez Allen, William Gay, Antwon Blake, Senquez Golson, Doran Grant, Brandon Boykin, Kevin Fogg, BW Webb. The Steelers will probably keep 4 to 6 corners on the roster.

Kevin Fogg and BW Webb are probably out right off the bat. There’s been some buzz about Fogg this offseason Webb’s been on the bubble for a couple seasons but too many cooks in the kitchen at this point. That includes any other players that weren’t on the list as well.

You have to assume William Gay makes the cut as the top returning corner and coming off his perhaps his best season, scoring 3 touchdowns. Cortez Allen will most likely get a roster spot based on his contract. Brandon Boykin also probably gets a roster spot too given the fact they traded for him.

As Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweeted, referencing Pro Football Focus,

So that leaves 2 or 3 remaining roster sports. They’ll go to Blake, Golson, and Grant probably. If they keep 4, Golson or Blake are in. With Golson’s injury Blake is the safer bet at the moment. If they keep 5 then it’s between the 3 of them obviously, probably Golson and Blake. If they keep 6 then they’re all in.

At this point, if Golson gets back during preseason he will likely get a spot since he’s a 2nd round pick. It’s very unlikely he has to go to the practice squad since he could get signed away.

With Boykin’s addition, the main variable is Golson’s injury in who makes the roster. Otherwise, Blake and Golson are neck and neck. Grant could possibly jump Blake. Fogg or Webb could possibly jump Grant.

The Steelers will likely have to give some thought to how many corners they want to have on the practice squad.

The addition of Boykin has certainly shaken things up. Who do you think is getting a spot?

Next: Steelers Deserve Credit for an Underrated Offseason

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