5 Steelers rookies to keep an eye on during training camp

Steelers Shakur Brown

The only undrafted rookie that made this list, Shakur Brown has a real chance to make an impact early for the Steelers in 2021. Despite his undrafted status, Brown is a natural slot corner given his size and tenacity in coverage. With the departures of Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson, the team is hurting at cornerback. While presumed starter Cameron Sutton has the ability to play in the slot if Brown shines it may not be necessary.

What the Steelers should be looking for in camp is just how pro-ready is Brown? His junior status means he may need some more development, and some of his lackluster athletic testing was the primary reason he slipped in the draft. If he can overcome these issues early, he could carve out a starting role in the slot. If the team trusts him to play as the slot corner early into camp, it could lead to Brown starting as an undrafted rookie.

The early reports out of OTAs have been good for Brown, as he was a mainstay in the slot throughout the process. Unfortunately, training camp will be a different story, as the team will want to access every option that they have at corner. While Brown may not start right away, a strong camp could lead to a limited role from the get-go. If he flashes some of the skill that he showed at Michigan St. last season, he could find his way onto the defense sooner than later.