6 prospects the Steelers must watch closely at the NFL Combine

Steelers need to watch Gardner

In all honestly, all three of the top cornerbacks could have claimed this spot. Ahmad Gardner lands here due to him being the most likely one to fall to pick 20, but there is so much jockeying for position between him, Derek Stingley, and Andrew Booth. If any of the three make it to pick 20, the Steelers should be all over them.

Gardner has been one of the most prolific coverage corners since starting for the Bearcats. He has the size and athleticism to hold up in man coverage while also having the physicality at the line to play more press-man. The Steelers had to step away from this last season due to worse cornerback play, but Gardner could help them get back there.

While cornerback won’t be a top need like a receiver (assuming the team signs a cornerback to start), Gardner would be impossible to pass on if he fell that far. As well, it will be interesting to see how many defensive backs the Steelers meet with in general. While free agency will likely land them a starter, they could still draft someone to develop. Gardner would be a huge get if he was available, but the team will have to show interest there first.