The Steelers have too much faith in FS Sean Davis

Sean Davis is entering a contract year in Pittsburgh. Have the Steelers expressed too much faith into the unproven free safety?

Steelers defensive back, Sean Davis, is a player that has jumped from cornerback to strong safety to free safety in each of his first three NFL seasons. For the first time in his career, Davis is set to play a single position two years in a row.

As a former 2nd round draft choice back in 2016 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Davis has had his ups and downs as much as anyone on the team in recent years. Now, he’s finally found a home at free safety, and played his best season to date.

However, have the Steelers expressed too much faith in Sean Davis?

Davis was a solid contributor on the Steelers defense last season. But despite earning a respectable grade of 69.8 from Pro Football Focus a season ago, Davis still leaves much to be desired.

One thing that we need to see more of is turnovers. Though he plays the position that should help reel in perhaps the most turnovers on the team, Sean Davis has just one interception in his last 17 games (including playoffs in 2017).

For the Steelers to even consider offering up a big extension to the former Maryland product, he will have to take the ball away more frequently in 2019.

Even more concerning, however, is the faith the Steelers have put into Sean Davis’s health. It is true that Davis has been one of the healthiest players on the team since being drafted three years ago (knock on wood), and he has played in all but one game over the course of his career. However, injuries can occur at any moment.

Here’s why that could get the Steelers into serious trouble. Pittsburgh does not have another true free safety on the roster. Currently in line to back up the safety position are Marcus Allen, Jordan Dangerfield, and possibly Brian Allen (with a few others in the mix for a roster spot).

Dangerfield is a ‘box only’ safety, and Marcus Allen is better near the line of scrimmage. If Brian Allen sticks around for another year, it’s unlikely the former raw cornerback will be the answer backing up Sean Davis.

The free safety position can be one of the most important to a successful defense. They are the safety blankets on the back end – responsible for not letting anything get past them.

Sean Davis did a good job of not giving up a lot of big plays last season. However, with very few turnovers and electing to ignore the severe lack of depth behind him, have the Steelers put too much faith into Sean Davis?