4 most underhyped Steelers players headed into 2020
Steven Nelson
The Steelers went through a rough stretch where their secondary was one of, if not, the worst groups in all of football. One would think that when they got a solid group back in there, that no one would take for granted good corners or safeties.
If you thought that, like me, you’d be wrong. It seems that no one is talking about how great of a signing Steven Nelson was last offseason and how he helped solve the revolving door at corner opposite Joe Haden.
Nelson was consistently one of the better cover corners in the league in 2019. The former third-round pick racked up eight pass breakups and an interception on the season.
He did not allow a touchdown all season and allowed only 50-percent of the passes in his target area to be completed. His coverage skill was on display in 2019 and it seemed his play was taken for granted.
Nelson was not talked about much in media or among fans even though his play warranted such discussions. If you don’t believe me, take a look at his numbers when compared to other big names:
#Steelers' CB Steven Nelson might not be talked about as one of the best shutdown corners in the league, but his 2019 numbers suggest that he was right there with the best .. if not better.https://t.co/GKZqrZE71C pic.twitter.com/BJ5nrAaiFg
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 14, 2020
If Nelson can replicate his 2019 season, there will be no excuse not to talk about him when discussing the league’s top corners. With a great defense around him, I see no reason to believe he cannot do just that.