Steelers rookie CB Justin Layne hopes to create more turnovers

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted the wildly talented cornerback, Justin Layne, in the first round of the NFL Draft. Layne was a true junior who from Michigan State who just turned 21 years old a few months ago. But is Layne the key to creating more turnovers for the Steelers?

According to an article from Joe Rutter of TribLive.com, that’s exactly what Justin Layne hopes to do. In questions regarding his ability to take the ball away, Layne had this to say in the interview:

"“I’d probably say (they wanted to know) why I didn’t have that many touches on the ball as far as interceptions. That was the main thing… I always hope I can help wherever I can. I don’t want to say I’m going to come in and do whatever, but I definitely want to help in that area… Right now I want to show them I’m willing to get better… I want to keep learning and getting better every day.”"

Despite breaking up 15 passes last year, Justin Layne added just 1 interception to his name during his Junior season. Though turnovers aren’t a stat that is very predictive in the NFL, it is slightly concerning he wasn’t able to come down with more balls despite touching 15 of them (good for 1st in the conference).

Justin Layne is a former wide receiver who has just 31 total games of experience at the college level. At times, Layne played both ways for the Spartans (though he only notched 1 reception for 11 yards in 2018).

The Steelers are searching desperately for a player who could help create turnovers. They tied a franchise season low with just 8 interceptions in 2018. Pittsburgh signed Steven Nelson (who had 4 interceptions with the Chiefs last season) to help in this department.

Though Layne only took the ball away 3 times over 26 starts, the Steelers are hoping his knack for constantly knocking the ball away will eventually translate into turnovers.

Justin Layne may quite possibly be one of the best cornerback prospects the Steelers have drafted over the past decade (which really isn’t saying a lot). Though he’s a long way from being a finished product, Layne’s blanket coverage and long arms make it difficult for quarterbacks to throw his way. If he can turn some of those breakups into interceptions, Justin Layne could be a major asset to the Steelers defense.