Steven Nelson: stock – down
Nelson was a key free-agent signing in 2019 for the Steelers. He helped to solidify a secondary that needed to replace busted first-round pick Artie Burns opposite Joe Haden.
He was a very underrated member of the 2019 secondary due to the fact you didn’t hear his name called much. There are two position groups where not getting mentioned is mostly a good thing and those are cornerback and offensive line.
If you are getting mentioned, you’re likely the culprit of a penalty or a missed assignment. Nelson was not mentioned a lot last season but 2020 has started on an opposite trajectory.
Nelson had a big touchdown scored on him in Week 1 against New York. Although that one was also due, in part, to a missed assignment over the top, it still was not a good look for him.
The Denver game was not much better but it was Joe Haden who was burned for a touchdown in that game. Nelson allowed a touchdown to close the first half today that let the Texans take the lead.
If this defense is to continue its dominance that it saw last season, the secondary has to play better and tighten up their coverages. Nelson has all the talent to do that but, for now, his stock is trending in the wrong direction.