Steelers Reveal Their Hands In Combine Interviews

Like all the other NFL teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers were looking at all the players in the 2023 Scouting Combine, seeing who they want to draft. The Steelers clearly came into the combine with a specific position in mind, as they formally interviewed every single top cornerback at the combine. At this point, it seems to be set in stone that the Steelers are drafting a cornerback with the 17th overall pick. That would also indicate that Cameron Sutton will be walking in free agency.

All of the Steelers' formal interviews in the combine were with top cornerback prospects. With other NFL teams looking at other positions, there's a very good chance that the Steelers will get their favorite corner at pick 17. There are five corners that the team is looking at for their first pick, so even if one or two are off the board, there's no worrying for the front office, as they know that they'll still have their pick of the litter for the position that they clearly believe is their biggest need.

Depending on how few corners are taken before 17, the Steelers could potentially wait until pick 32 to get their guy. They could then address another need in round 1, or take Kenny Pickett's former teammate from college, Jordan Addison. It also helps that Joey Porter Jr. wants to follow in his dad's footsteps and play for the Steelers. With all the options on the table, the Steelers' only real problem is which CB to draft, and that is a very good problem to have.

What would happen with the Steelers and Cameron Sutton?

Sutton is a free agent, and there has been no reported progress on contract talks between him and the Steelers. With the Steelers being all but confirmed to draft a high-end cornerback prospect, the team will likely let Sutton walk in free agency. Even with slot corner also being a need, the Steelers wouldn't spend a quality pick on that. If they do look for a slot corner, they will likely draft another safety in day 3 of the draft and convert him to slot corner.

Sutton had an excellent second half of the 2022 season. Ever since 2019, Sutton had played great in the slot, even while backing up Mike Hilton, and recently translated it to great outside play. He can also play a little bit of safety, so whichever team signs him will get a very versatile player that can play all over the secondary at different roles. With the payday Sutton would want, teams would probably sign him to be their top cornerback. 

Sutton is 7th among free agent cornerbacks in value money-wise and is one of the youngest cornerbacks on the market. He will likely have plenty of suitors looking to give him the bag. He could easily make more money elsewhere than what the Steelers would want to sign him for. In the off chance that Sutton doesn't get the offer he wants, the Steelers would be more than happy to give him a one-year deal, so he can rotate between outside and slot corner, allowing the rookie corner to thrive as well without being forced into every situation immediately. 

Either way, the Steelers are looking at the future of the team, and Cameron Sutton might not be in their big picture. The Steelers will look to get a new, young face to lead the cornerback group for a decade to come. Don't be surprised if Sutton is wearing a different jersey for the 2023 season while getting a nice game check each week. It was great to see Teryl Austin turn him from a wasted draft pick to a key contributor on the defense. Hopefully, Austin and Grady Brown will successfully develop whoever they draft early on.

What do you think of the Steelers' cornerback situation, what their plans are, and how they made it pretty obvious? Let us know down in the comments.

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