Home Steelers Draft Don’t Be Shocked if the Steelers Wait Until the Third Round for a Cornerback

Don’t Be Shocked if the Steelers Wait Until the Third Round for a Cornerback

by Steeldad

1997 was the year and Chad Scott was the man. He was the last cornerback selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL Draft. Since then, the Steelers have relied on cornerbacks taken in the middle rounds of the draft to hold down the position on their defense and by and large that was a somewhat successful formula.

In recent years however, the cornerbacks selected by the Steelers have not exactly worked out. Combined with a sketchy pass rush, the Steelers’ pass defense has been inconsistent at best. With that thought in mind and a cornerback-heavy draft, many expect the drought to end with a cornerback taken in the first round next month.

I am not so sure however. While there are plenty of guys that could conceivably fall to the Steelers at 25, I’m not convinced that’s the direction they’ll go. I mentioned earlier this week that the Steelers have been reported to be “in love” with Houston cornerback William Jackson III. Besides him, it’s possible Mackensie Alexander of Clemson and/or Eli Apple of Ohio State could be available when the Steelers go on the clock.

While there is good depth at most defensive positions in this draft, the Steelers may feel like they need to grab a much-needed defensive lineman with their first selection. If Andrew Billings or Sheldon Rankins were there at 25 would the Steelers be able to pass them up knowing there is significant depth at corner?

Consider the Steelers have already had some type of meeting or interview with corners Jonathan Jones of Auburn, DeAndre Elliott of Colorado State, Harlan Miller of SE Louisiana, Ryan Smith of North Carolina Central and Tavon Young of Temple and that leads you to believe they may be looking at one of two options. First, they could be considering the possibility of selecting two cornerbacks in this draft which would not be totally uncalled for and second, they could be thinking the need to address defensive line, linebacker or safety positions is just too great and will spend their early picks there.

The above list of corners consists of guys who likely won’t come off the board until the third round or later. That’s why I tend to lean in the direction I am.

Will it surprise me if they take a corner in round one? Actually, it would a little bit but until I actually see it I’m not believing it.

Photo courtesy collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com

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3 comments

steelbydesign March 30, 2016 - 11:41 am

Not just a possibility, it feels likely at this point.

I think they WANT a DL to fall to them at 25, so if one does they don’t hesitate. Then, at that point it is possible they consider Kendall Fuller or Artie Burns in round 2 but I really think that the 2nd round is the time to grab a safety with a run of them probably going there.

Ben Anderson March 30, 2016 - 1:29 pm

I only have 21 guys with 1st round grades. I think the Steelers are realistically looking at the likelihood that the BPA at 25 won’t be a safety or CB.
There’s a good possibility that at 25, they’ll be choosing from top tier 2nd round talent. When that is your circumstance, you make the most of it. You don’t reach for a player that fits a need but doesn’t offer good value for that slot.
I don’t have a 1st round grade on Keanu Neal. But, he may be the best talent available when they pick. I think WJ3 will be a top 20 guy.

Vittorio March 30, 2016 - 7:01 pm

I’ve said this to Marc when I gave him my mock draft and I’ll say it to you folks as well: There are more options after round 2 at CB. In fact I will list you 6 CB’s who fit what the Steelers want to do: 1.Will Redmond, 2.Cyrus Jones, 3.Jonathon Jones, 4.Anthony Brown, 5.Kevin Peterson and 6.Tavon Young. I’m not out here to make everybody mad I am here to point out that you must look at the whole board and ask yourself this question: Do you take a CB when there are more DL prospects who are more value picks at 25 and 58?

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