5 bold predictions for Pittsburgh Steelers defense in 2020

Layne gets shown up by a UDFA

Justin Layne has a lot of potential as a boundary CB, which is why so many fans and analysts gave praise to the Steelers for adding him to the team in the third-round last year. His rookie season went as predicted, playing no defense but getting some time on special teams. The little tape he has comes from the preseason, where he struggled in coverage and appeared to need a lot of development before he could be expected to be a backup. Worse yet, Layne seemed to have a quiet camp for the Steelers, something that doesn’t bode well for his future with the team.

Enter 2020 UDFA James Pierre, an underdog who earned a roster spot due to his ferocious play during camp. Pierre has a similar body type to Layne and would serve as a boundary CB if he was ever called into action. Considering the unique state of this offseason, it is a testament to Pierre’s potential and talent that he made the opening roster.

While he will more than likely won’t be active on gamedays, the Steelers must have felt like he was too valuable to try and stash on the practice squad. If Layne continues to struggle in camp and Pierre can serve as a gunner on special teams, those two could flip flop like how Artie Burns and Layne did last year. If such an event were to occur, don’t be surprised if Layne finds his way off the roster altogether.