4. Mike Hilton
As a defensive back, Mike Hilton isn’t exactly a star player. He’s a decent athlete who is undersized at 5’9” and 184, and he’s only average in coverage. However, if you think of him like the world’s smallest linebacker, Hilton has been a treat to the Steelers this year.
Though Hilton has recorded an interception in the first three weeks, he’s also allowed 11 catches on 16 targets and a touchdown to be completed on his watch, according to Pro Football Reference. Still, I can certainly live with this for how dominant the nickel cornerback has been as a blitzer and against the run.
Through three games, Mike Hilton ranks 2nd in pass-rush grade and 8th in run defense grade among all cornerbacks in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. He has flashed early and often on the field and he’s made a big impact in terms of getting pressure on the quarterback. Remarkably, Hilton has 21 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 4 tackles for a loss, 4 pressures, and 4 quarterbacks hits in just his first three games of 2020. He’s on a terrific pace this year.