3 cornerbacks that the Steelers would be smart to draft
By Brendan Howe
While many point to needs such as a workhorse running back or offensive line help in this draft, the Steelers might want to bolster the defensive perimeter, as well.
Aside from veteran Joe Haden and the recently re-signed Cam Sutton, it seems that the Steelers’ cornerback group could use some work.
Approaching his third pro season, Justin Layne showed a lapse in judgment and faces a felony gun charge after being arrested outside of Cleveland last Friday. Moreover, Pittsburgh has only seen James Pierre in a small sample size. The second-year defensive back out of Florida Atlantic appeared in 16 games in 2020, tallying 10 takedowns.
Presumably, Sutton stayed in Pittsburgh with plans of starting. Although Mike Tomlin feels comfortable running out Sutton on the boundary as of right now, it wouldn’t hurt to add some depth to a cornerback room that will be missing a pair of usual contributors this coming season.
Earlier this offseason, on the same day that JuJu Smith-Schuster returned to the Steelers on a one-year deal, Steven Nelson was told he could seek a trade. When no partner was found, he was effectively shown the door, to ease the cap burden.
This after the versatile Mike Hilton bolted to the rival Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. In his four years in black and gold, he grabbed seven interceptions, recovered five fumbles, and registered 9.5 sacks.
With the partings of Nelson and Hilton, here are three corners the Steelers would be wise to add to the unit.