5 resolutions for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the new year

Steelers must address the cornerback position

As Steeler fans, I don’t need to sit here explaining to you why cornerback is a huge position of need, but for the sake of information, I will describe why. Joe Haden is most likely leaving after this season, he’s our #1 corner.

Cam Sutton would slide over to that spot and either James Pierre or Justin Layne will become corner #2, yikes. Pierre has been burnt at least once during each game that he has played and Justin Layne has only seen 3% of defensive snaps this season, compared to 11% last year and 0% during his rookie year.

I’ve seen some fellow writers mention Ahmad Gardner from Cincinnati as a possible 1st-round pick and just by looking at stats and what some experts have said, I’m all aboard. Gardner has been said to thrive in zone-coverage schemes but can also be good in man coverage situations. His size and ability to press would also come in handy when the Steelers play AFC North teams and their speedy or tall receivers. Gardner has shown he can be a ballhawk and also be sent on some blitzes and have success, he is worth more of a look into if you are interested in this year’s cornerback class.

Free agency or secondary later in the draft are always options as well. The 2022 CB class seems to have a lot of veterans in it, which isn’t bad. The Steelers could use some older guys who have experience in playing the position. Bryce Callahan would be a great addition in free agency if he doesn’t re-sign with Denver and he was even a projected trade target for Pittsburgh. It’s hard to say what the draft for Pittsburgh would look like at this point but I think cornerback is a top 4 position of need next to OL, QB, and DL.