3 reasons Justin Layne has been a draft bust for Steelers

The play of similar 2019 CBs

Funnily enough, there was a slew of similar style corners (tall, athletic, and outside only corners) taken in the middle second to the third round. Those being the most similar to Layne were, in order of being drafted: Joejuan Williams, Lonnie Johnson, and Jamel Dean. Note: Greedy Williams falls into this category as well, but he hasn’t played in 2020 due to injury, making his inclusion for this comparison worthless.

None have developed into full-time starters yet, but all have arguably played far better than Layne. Williams is the most similar to Layne right now, as he has only played 13 percent of the Patriots snaps. In that time, he has allowed three receptions on seven targets but has allowed 91 yards and a score. The quarterback rating, he is allowing is currently 129.5. That number seems to be higher due to one of those receptions being for a long gain

Johnson has been one of the bright spots for the Texans secondary this season. He’s allowed 22 receptions off 32 targets and hasn’t allowed a score. He is only allowing a quarterback rating of 92.8, not great, but certainly not horrible. Dean has been the best of the group, only allowing 31 receptions off 54 targets and three scores. As well, he is only allowing a quarterback rating of 85.3 when being targeted.

The most similar to Layne has been Williams, but frankly, all three of these guys have outperformed Layne so far this early in their careers. Typically, year two is the one where corners make their big jump. Two of these players have, and Layne isn’t one of them. Can he build upon that? Of course, but the early returns are far from promising.