4 NFL Draft prospects Steelers have expressed strong interest in
By Tommy Jaggi
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
If I would have mocked a cornerback in the top two rounds to the Steelers just a few weeks ago, you would have thought I was crazy. Now that appears to be a position we can’t rule out drafting as early as the 24th overall pick, and Georgia’s Eric Stokes is a player they have expressed interest in. A lot has changed in a short amount of time this offseason, and cornerback has suddenly become a huge priority for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers were able to retain Cameron Sutton on a two-year, $9 million deal, but the soon lost nickel cornerback Mike Hilton to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. Just days later, Pittsburgh made it public knowledge that they would be cutting Steven Nelson if they cannot find a trade partner for him. Nelson was the team’s starting right cornerback for the past two seasons, and his departure is one we did not predict.
This leaves Pittsburgh with incredibly thin depth at cornerback with only Joe Haden and Cameron Sutton as the two lone players with any relevant experience. Behind them, Justin Layne and James Pierre have combined for just 144 career defensive snaps. Still, the Steelers don’t have money to drop on a cornerback in free agency, so it now seems likely to address the position early in the draft, and Eric Stokes could likely be that guy. His teammate, Tyson Campbell, must also be on the Steelers radar with Tomlin, Colbert, and defensive backs coach, Teryl Austin, all at Georgia’s Pro Day getting a good look at him as well.