Steelers mock draft: Rare trade-back still lands an impressive center

Steelers mock draft round 4: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

I once again bypassed adding a top cornerback in this draft class, as I have my targets elsewhere and want to take advantage of the depth of the room. That said, after already addressing the slot room in the third round, I decided to add an outside option in the fourth to throw into the mix. Cam Hart makes a lot of sense in this range.

The Steelers haven’t been unique when it comes to what they want in outside cornerbacks. Over the past few years, they have wanted taller prospects with good length who thrive in press-man environments. Justin Layne kind of started that trend, and it continued last year with the additions of Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice, and Darius Rush (via practice squad addition).

Hart is built in this mold at 6’2, decent length, and he is projected to be a good athlete. On top of this, his Notre Dame tape is highlighted with his physicality. While not a tackling machine, he is more than willing to throw his weight around. In coverage, he contests every catch and doesn’t make it easy for a receiver to catch the ball.

He can be a little too aggressive in coverage though, and that will likely lead to some early penalties like what we saw with Porter. His technique and back peddle can be a bit lazy at times as well, and that will hurt him if he doesn’t sharpen those issues up at the next level. That said, he could develop into a good second cornerback for this defense.