3 top candidates to be Pittsburgh Steelers nickel cornerback in 2021

Cameron Sutton

If all else fails, the Steelers have a backup plan (or at least we think). Cameron Sutton has a good deal of experience playing in the slot over his first four NFL seasons. However, the plan is for him to start at right outside cornerback to begin the season.

This, of course, could be dependent on whether or not the Steelers feel comfortable with one of the nickel backs they have. If Antoine Brooks and Arthur Maulet don’t play to their standards during training camp and the preseason, the team could elect to move Sutton back inside and roll with either Justin Layne or James Pierre on the outside.

There are pros and cons of doing this, but I think this combination would ultimately be best for the team in the long run. Moving Sutton back inside may mean sacrificing some physicality at the nickel position, as that seems to be the best trait of both Brooks and Maulet. However, it could also make this group better against the pass by getting a more athletic cornerback on the field with better coverage ability (like Layne or Pierre).

It will be interesting to see which player (or combination of players) the Steelers ultimately decide on to man the nickel cornerback position, but these three appear to be the frontrunners early in training camp.