3 cornerbacks that the Steelers would be smart to draft

Shaun Wade

Thought of as a possible first-rounder before he dressed for his redshirt junior year, Shaun Wade’s draft stock plummeted in a season he initially chose not to play in.

For two years at Ohio State, Wade played to the inside of Jeffery Okudah and Damon Arnette. When that duo departed and was taken in the first round of last year’s draft, Wade was pushed outside. In hindsight, it might have been better for him to stick to his decision to sit out amid the pandemic.

Wade struggled to parallel routes and keep up with pass-catchers in man coverage. However, Wade had to deal with a turf toe injury that still lingers. His speed was hampered in his failed effort of trying to slow DeVonta Smith in the national championship game.

Still, Wade was a consensus All-American last year. He also brought home the Big Ten’s Defensive Back of the Year award. According to scouting profiles, he moves well in guarding smaller receivers and is strong enough to handle bigger ones. He reminded everyone of his speed when he sprinted a 4.43 40-yard dash in a workout earlier this month.

Wade is projected to be available in the middle rounds. With his former five-star potential, he could be a steal for Pittsburgh.