5 Steelers who desperately need to develop in the 2022 offseason

Steelers James Pierre

James Pierre was a disappointing player all said and done from this season. The expectations were sky-high for the former undrafted free agent cornerback as he looked dynamic in training camp, but struggles reading deep passes and staying sound to his assignment led to some big plays given up. Still a valuable special teams’ player, Pierre will almost certainly be back next season. The question is what role he will have on the defense if any.

As of now, Pierre and Sutton would be the top two cornerbacks under contract next season. While that will change as the team ideally tries to retain Ahkello Witherspoon or add another capable starter, Pierre will likely still have a role on defense. It will be in a tamer and more reserved role, but there is little reason to think that Pierre doesn’t become the essential fourth cornerback in dime like he was earlier this season.

If he wants any shot at expanding that role or even keeping it past the first few games, Pierre needs to read deep passes better. While not a top athlete, Pierre can still be an effective corner deep as long as he is using his size to make plays. He was rarely getting his head around though, and that caused the young cornerback to be burnt. He still has a chance to grow, but he needs a strong offseason to re-establish himself as a potential starter.