3 Steelers who will see increased roles in Week 9 vs. Cowboys

CB Justin Layne

Here’s a name that has barely received any recognition this year, but a player we should be talking about a little bit more. Coming into the NFL Draft in 2019, there were dozens of draft experts who thought Justin Layne would be an early second-round draft choice. Some even believed he could go as high as the end of the first round.

The Steelers ultimately drafted Layne with the second of their third-round pick (the first of which being WR Diontae Johnson). At nearly 6’2” with 33” arms, Layne has ideal length and athleticism for the cornerback position. Though he hasn’t played much on defense, he has made his presence felt on special teams in punt return coverage, as he routinely one of the first players down the field.

Layne did not see a single defensive snap during his entire rookie season, according to Pro Football Reference, but he has now seen a combined 26 defensive snaps over the past three games. With Mike Hilton limited in practice all week and with Layne apparently earning a bit more trust from the coaching staff, expect another increased role this week.

The Steelers are a bit shorthanded along the defensive line this week, but let’s hope that it won’t matter. The only thing standing in the way of Pittsburgh’s best start to a season is the Dallas Cowboys. We will see if these young players can hold their own on Sunday.