Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers projected starting defense in 2021

Secondary:

CB1 – Joe Haden – A – At 32, Haden is still a very effective shutdown corner. He is the leader of secondary. He had 2 ints and led the team in pass deflections with 12 in 2020.

CB2 – Cam Sutton – B – I scouted Sutton in college and was very happy when the Steelers drafted him in the 3rd Rd of the 2017 Draft. The team has brought him along, slow. He should be ready for the starting job on the outside in 2021.

Nickelback – (Option 1) – Justin Layne – I (Incomplete) – After a slow start Layne has been the forgotten man in the secondary. He is the most athletically able player to man the slot. I liked this pick in 2019 but he was a converted WR and would take time to develop. He lost playing time to James Pierre in 2020 and then was arrested in the off-season. If Layne can turn it around he could become a good NFL CB but for now, his sample size is too small to evaluate.

Nickelback – (Option 2) – I (Incomplete… again) – Here things break down, a bit. 2020 UDFA, James Pierre, is the top option. He’s a physical player who did well in limited sub-work in 2020. The Steelers let both Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson walk. In their wake, they’ve added some nondescript players of questionable athletic ability. Pierre is part of a group of players, including safeties, Arthur Maulet. Antoine Brooks and UDFA CB, Shakur Brown, who fail to break a 4.60/40. 7th Rd pick, Safety, Tre Norwood, is also in the mix but his 4.58/40 isn’t very impressive, either.

Strong Safety – Terrell Edmunds – B – If Edmunds had been a 2nd or 3rd Rd selection I have little doubt the Steelers would’ve picked up his 5th-year option. He hasn’t been spectacular but he’s been a good pro and a big upgrade in coverage over Sean Davis. He was 3rd on the team in tackles with 68 and had 2 Interceptions and 8 pass deflections in 2020.

Free Safety – Minkah Fitzpatrick – A+ – The Steelers pulled off one of their all-time best trades in 2019 acquiring Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins for a 1st Rd pick. He quickly became the Troy Polamalu of the deep secondary. A two-time Pro Bowl player, Minkah led the Steelers with 79 tackles and 4 ints. He also had 11 pass deflections and gave O.C.’s a fit with his instincts and anticipation.