Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh finally addresses biggest needs
By Tommy Jaggi
player. 814. . Cornerback. Bulldogs . Derion Kendrick. 2
Steelers second-round pick: CB Derion Kendrick
Whether you trust the Steelers ability to draft and develop cornerbacks or not, there’s no denying that this team is desperately lacking in talent at the position. If you look at most of the top teams around the NFL, they typically have at least one very good, lockdown cornerback to make things much easier on their entire secondary. The Steelers do not.
Cornerback is one of the ‘money’ positions in the NFL for a reason. This also happens to be a cornerback class that is rich with talent in the first two rounds, and I would be shocked if Pittsburgh even has their eye on some first-round prospects.
Derion Kendrick will be among the second wave of corners selected next April, but he’s no slouch. At 6’0” and 190 pounds, Kendrick has the size to be a starting outside cornerback, and he started for one of the best defenses we have ever seen in college. The former Clemson wide receiver has ball skills and can make opposing quarterbacks pay when a pass is up for grabs.
James Pierre is clearly not the answer for the Steelers and Joe Haden is going to be gone next offseason. Pittsburgh would be wise to scout the top cornerbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft.