The Pittsburgh Steelers are just a day away from entering training camp in Latrobe. Of course, we know the biggest storyline as the Steelers enter training camp will be focused on the all-important quarterback position and the battle between veteran free agent signee, Mitch Trubisky, first round selection, Kenny Pickett, and incumbent Mason Rudolph.
However, the Steelers will need to determine who their starters are at other positions as well. The cornerback position will be highlighted as the team enters Latrobe on July 26th.
How will the Steelers' Use New and Old Faces at the Cornerback Position?
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 09: Ahkello Witherspoon #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass intended for Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 09, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Dale Lolley of Steelers Nation Radio published a recent article discussing a preview of the Steelers' main storylines going into training camp.
"With Joe Haden not being re-signed in free agency, the Steelers brought in Levi Wallace, a starter in each of his four seasons with the Buffalo Bills," Lolley stated in his article. "But the team also re-signed Ahkello Witherspoon in free agency, giving those two corners both two-year deals. And Cam Sutton, who started the entire 2021 season at right cornerback opposite Haden also returns.Now, Sutton also moves into the slot when the Steelers go to their nickel and dime defenses, so the team could simply start Wallace and Witherspoon – two pure outside corners – in their base defense and use Sutton exclusively in the slot."
The Black and Gold could use multiple players in the slot this season. Of course, with experience in the slot, Sutton could man that role once again with the team signing Wallace. However, another cornerback reportedly was taking snaps at the slot cornerback position during Organized Team Activities (OTA's) and minicamp this spring as well.
Steelers’ Levi Wallace Says That He’s “Played Some Inside” And Is Ready To Accept The Challenge
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Levi Wallace (#29) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
“Football’s football," Wallace said in an interview during OTA's. "You’re still covering receivers. I played some inside back in Buffalo too so it’s nothing that is new to me and I accept the challenge.”
Wallace is ready to take on the challenge, no matter where he lines up in the secondary. However, Sutton and Wallace aren't the only two with experience in the slot cornerback position.
"The Steelers also added safety Damontae Kazee in free agency, and he can play in the slot as well," Lolley continued discussing the position. "So, too, do Arthur Maulet and Tre Norwood.
Veterans Justin Layne and James Pierre also return as outside cornerbacks, giving the team plenty of options.How that entire puzzle fits together in this secondary will be one of the main storylines of this camp."
The team has a load of talent within the cornerback room, but it's up to the coaching to put these guys in the spot where they can be most successful. It is in fact a puzzle that needs to fit together perfectly to put this defense in the best position to reach their ultimate potential in the 2022 season.
Inglewood, CA, Sunday, November 21, 2021 - Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) intercepts a ball batted in the air by teammate Cam Heyward, giving the Steelers the ball late in the game at SoFi Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
What do yinz think about Lolley deeming cornerback alignment as one of the main storylines to watch as the team enters training camp on July 26th? Let us know in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
#SteelerNation
