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5 college players that Steelers fans need to watch in 2021

By Ryan Pawloski

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on from the sideline during a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on from the sideline during a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 30: Kaiir Elam #5 of the Florida Gators celebrates after breaking up a pass. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 30: Kaiir Elam #5 of the Florida Gators celebrates after breaking up a pass. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Joe Haden has asked for a contract extension from the Steelers but it would seem better off if the team neglected that option. Haden has been a great addition but his age is becoming an issue now as he starts to near his mid-30s. Steven Nelson is also gone so cornerback seems like it will be a major need heading into the offseason for this team.

Pittsburgh has not been the best talent evaluator when it comes to drafting cornerbacks. Time and time again, they have selected players that cannot adjust to the NFL level and are gone from the team sooner than expected. Why not replace Haden – a former Florida Gator – with a new one in Kaiir Elam?

Elam is a solid NFL corner prospect that has all the physical traits that every franchise is looking for. His frame at 6’2 and his youth of being a Junior will be a huge upgrade to his game. Drafting a player young and developing them is something the Steelers love to do and they can do that with this prospect.

Elam is also going into a big season as he can emerge as the top corner if he plays well. There are three top corner prospects right now and this Gator is one of them. Elam can find a way to get that top spot if he wishes but any of those other two prospects are worth mentioning to watch as well. Those two names are Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU) and Ahmad Gardner (Cincinnati).

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