Steelers Bringing 2 Dynamic Slot Cornerbacks Into Rookie Camp To Compete For Now Glaring Void

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the slot corner position has gone through its fair share of good and bad. What was once a role that was reinvented by Mike Hilton between the 2017 and 2020 seasons, has gone through various changes since. With there being a proverbial revolving door in the Steelers’ efforts searching for the “next Mike Hilton,” we received news confirming the release of Arthur Maulet who primarily assumed the position beginning in 2021. Therefore, the question remains as to who the Steelers will look to take over those duties heading into camp this go-around.

The Steelers Invite Pair Of Undrafted Rookie Cornerbacks To Camp            

In the hours leading up to Maulet’s release, the Steelers invited a young pair of defensive backs to mini-camp beginning later this month. Those invitees include Sylvonta Oliver and Tyrell Ajian. During the weekend of the draft, the Steelers signed free agent veteran Chandon Sullivan, but clearly they are looking for young, fresh competition. The logic makes sense, as that is how they were able to discover Hilton after his brief stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots. So, how is the competition looking between Oliver and Ajian for a final roster spot with Maulet now gone? Let’s break them down.

Sylvonta Oliver

In addition to the Steelers, Oliver accepted an invitation to attend the New York Giants’ camp as well earlier this month. He left without a deal and is now making the trip southwest to western Pennsylvania for another shot. With that extra time at an NFL camp, Oliver is coming into Pittsburgh conditioned and already somewhat adjusted to the speed of the league. Standing 5’10” and weighing just over 170 pounds, his measurements are a bit smaller than what scouts typically like to see in an NFL defensive back, but it is hard to ignore Oliver’s speed. At his Pro Day, he posted a 4.49-second 40-yard dash with decent times in his three-cone drill.

Oliver began his collegiate career at Itawamba Community College before transferring to the University of Memphis in 2020. He logged snaps in every game at Memphis and grew to be their primary slot cornerback. In that role, Oliver tallied 92 total tackles, five interceptions, and 17 passes defended.

With his above-average play speed, he’s shown he can maintain coverage on quicker slot receivers on shorter routes, yet has solid closing speed when playing off the line. He also plays with a high level oh physicality, but will need to get coached up on adapting to the NFL rulebook. He showed some glimmers of being too physical in college and his ability to adjust that could dictate his employment status come September.

Tyrell Ajian

Ajian possesses more of those “versatility” characteristics Head Coach Mike Tomlin likes to see in younger defensive backs compared to Oliver. He is listed as a safety, but is being brought into camp as more of that true inside cornerback role. On paper, Ajian is very similar to what we’ve seen of Tre Norwood. Ajian measures 6’0” and weighs 190 pounds. He has top-graded footwork and is able to operate well within tight spaces. He brings effective coverage and ball skills to his skillset and works well within a zone defensive scheme.

Ajian has solid route diagnosis abilities and great closing speed in pursuing the ball carrier. Although his footwork helps him in tight spaces, Ajian’s navigation skills need help. There were a lot of times in college where he’d get over-powered and lost on plays trying to keep up with his man. In addition, his fundamentals begin to lack in games when he gets tired. His backpedals tend to get sloppy and he has trouble keeping his hips square and fluid to the receiver.

Where Ajian may hold the upper hand on Oliver is his production in college. At the University of Kentucky, Ajian lined up at both cornerback and safety and logged snaps in 50 games. Throughout those, he tallied 152 total tackles, one sack, 12 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and four interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. Ajian flashed his versatility across the entire secondary and this is what Tomlin will be looking for in camp.

The Steelers seem to be going back to the undrafted free agent pool for their next slot cornerback. Similar to what we saw in 2021 after Hilton’s departure, the position is open for the taking. Tomlin made mention of newly-acquired veteran Patrick Peterson seeing some time lined up inside, but with the invitations of Oliver and Ajian being sent, the Steelers aren’t leaving any stone unturned. 

Considering where we are in the process, I’d argue Ajian to be considered the dark horse for the position. His tape mimics what we saw in Hilton and his production in college speaks for itself. It’ll be tough competition getting there, but he is one to watch as the roster begins to take shape later this summer.

Who do you think will take over the slot cornerback position this season? Do you like any of the undrafted rookies to come in and earn the job? Let us know in the comments below!

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