What adding another DB means for the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ secondary isn’t going to change much with the addition of another rookie defensive back.
Artie Burns and Joe Haden aren’t losing their jobs anytime soon. The two established corners own the starting jobs in Pittsburgh. This leaves question, though, as to what’s going to happen to the depth chart if the team decides to add another corner this summer.
The Steelers are scouting hard, looking at the three big defensive names in the 2018 Supplemental Draft. Sam Beal, Brandon Bryant or Adonis Alexander would make a great addition to the roster. Talented rookies who would’ve been viewed as top prospects in next year’s NFL Draft.
If Pittsburgh sees something they want in this draft, they’re going to go after it. Maybe they believe adding one final corner would perfect the defense. Could be the case. But it’s not going to change much outside of depth.
What adding another corner will do is remove Coty Sensabaugh. The second-year Steeler lived a quick life as the starting corner in Pittsburgh. Since then, this team has turned an average group of players into one of the best built secondaries in the league.
Any of these incoming players improves the potential of this secondary. Before proving anything on the field, it immediately adds to the upside of the team. With their fall being a Supplemental Draft bust, and peak being an NFL stud, the Steelers are fully aware they need to take advantage.
Cameron Sutton and Mike Hilton have the potential to be the best two slot corners in football. The hype for these two to be on the field together is high. If they can be as dominant as they’re expected to be, they’ll change this entire defense.
But that’s a different story. Either way, it means they don’t need help. It also means they shouldn’t be taking over for Burns or Haden as relief.
By adding one of these three players, they’re added protection for the outside. You’ll see Terrell Edmunds and Marcus Allen play in the slot from time to time, but on the outside is where you’ll see the newest rookie.
The impact is significant, but only when you really look at it. Whoever he may be, they’re the depth. The six man to the defense. They may not be out there a major chunk of the game, but when they are, they’re expected to keep the same level of play as the person in before them.
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Which is what you’ll see with another addition. Adding a defensive back only finishes off this secondary, not change it. The final pieces of the puzzle are equally as important, but not as seen. That’s exactly what the next offseason addition is.