Steelers can ignore outside cornerback
Another one of the big needs for this team on paper is another outside cornerback to pair with Joey Porter for the future. While I will agree that Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace left a lot to be desired, I’m not ready to dump a lot of resources into the position this offseason with so many needs elsewhere.
For starters, I think a stronger front seven can alleviate some middling cornerback play. The edge rushers should remain a strength, the linebackers should get healthy, and if the defensive line is properly addressed, they should be improved. This will lessen the need of another dynamic cornerback next to Porter.
You are also carrying two intriguing names on the roster as it stands. Cory Trice was having a strong start to training camp before being lost to the year with an injury. Darius Rush showed some promise in limited snaps. Either could settle in as the second cornerback for this defense.
My bigger priority is a more complete slot defender. This defense was at its best when Mike Hilton was able to play the run or pass for the defense. Now, they have specific run-down and passing-down slot defenders, and it has limited the unit overall. I want a guy that can thrive in both circumstances.
That doesn’t mean you can’t address outside cornerback. You still need to, as the depth chart is pretty bare and depth is needed. The draft is also deep at cornerback again, and I am all for taking advantage of the strengths of a draft class. That said, I’m not pounding the table for a pricy free agent or a top draft pick at cornerback for the reasons above.