6 Steelers who have flashed the potential to be elite

While the start of the season has been bumpy for the Steelers, these six players have legitimate superstar potential for the team.

The Steelers haven’t had an ideal start to the season, but that doesn’t mean that some of their younger players haven’t flashed. While it is still early in all of these players’ careers, each has demonstrated the traits necessary to be a superstar at the NFL level.

They still have a way to go mind you before that label can be given, but the ability they have flashed in 2021 should entice fans moving forward. Here are six Steelers that have superstar potential for the team.

Steelers James Pierre

While it all hasn’t been pretty for the former undrafted rookie this season, James Pierre has developmental traits that should make all fans excited. While he hasn’t been used as a full-time starter outside of injury in 2021 so far when on the field he has looked far better than a previously undrafted corner should.

He has shown great physicality at the line, tackling ability, and coverage skills both in the short and medium passing game. His main struggle is covering the deep ball, as he regularly gets too focused on the quarterback and as a result, falls behind his man. He doesn’t have the athletic ability to catch up either, which has resulted in some bigger plays given up by Pierre.

With his size though, Pierre can focus on bumping his man more at the line and keeping his eyes on the receiver as opposed to the quarterback. His average athleticism won’t change, but the way he covers can. To put this into perspective, Cameron Sutton was horrible through his first two seasons, and he was a third-round pick. The fact that Pierre has looked this good so far is a great sign. He has some big steps to take, but he is on pace to be a starter sooner rather than later in this league.