Does Justin Layne’s arrest alter the Steelers NFL Draft plans?

Justin Layne was recently arrested on multiple charges. Does this throw a curveball in the Steelers 2021 NFL Draft plans? 

Well, we almost made it to the NFL Draft without a major offseason distraction from the Steelers this year. Early Friday morning, Pittsburgh cornerback, Justin Layne, was arrested on multiple charges. According to the report, Layne was pulled over at around 3:00 AM in Willoughby Hills, Ohio and was charged with carrying an unlicensed firearm in the vehicle, driving under suspension, and exceeding speed limits. One report from the Daily Mail goes on to explain that Layne could be facing up to 18 months in prison.

This certainly isn’t good news for a team that recently lost cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton this offseason. Though the Steelers were able to retain Cameron Sutton on a two-year extension, the depth behind him at the cornerback position is razor-thin.

With Justin Layne possibly facing charges (or at least discipline from the league), the Steelers current cornerback room consists of Joe Haden, Cameron Sutton, James Pierre, Trevor Williams, and Stephen Denmark… That’s it. Two of these players (Pierre and Denmark) have combined for just 27 career defensive snaps in the NFL, while Williams has dressed for just 2 games since the 2018 season.

How does Layne’s arrest alter Steelers draft plans?

I think it’s reasonable to assume that Justin Layne’s recent arrest is going to alter the Steelers draft plans, but to what extent? In recent weeks, there have been multiple reports that Pittsburgh is eying offensive help early in the draft, and many analysts and insiders believe Alabama running back Najee Harris could be the selection.

Could Layne’s arrest change their draft plans this early? That still might be a stretch to believe. However, Pittsburgh hasn’t been shy in expressing their interest in some of the top cornerback prospects in the NFL Draft this offseason. That list includes players like Asante Samuel Jr., Eric Stokes, and Tyson Campbell – all of whom Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert were present for during their Pro Days.

These players are widely regarded as second-round prospects, and perhaps that is where the Steeles will be eying the position. We know that the team has a few other glaring needs, including running back, offensive tackle, and center. Unfortunately, because of the severe lack of depth at cornerback, perhaps Pittsburgh will be forced to address this position a round or two earlier than they initially had planned.

We knew that cornerback was going to be somewhat that would be addressed by the Steelers this April no matter what after the team lost Nelson and Hilton this offseason. However, Justin Layne’s recent arrest may force them to dip their feet into the position much earlier than they had intended. Pittsburgh could still pick up a player or two in free agency, but with the cap situation being what it is, they will likely be forced to rely on a rookie cornerback to contribute in some fashion in 2021.