Steelers Show Interest In Capable Louisville Defensive Back

The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown interest in many different defensive backs this offseason. Recently, many teams including the Steelers, have been drawn to former North Carolina Tar Heel and Louisville Cardinal, Cam'ron Kelly. Kelly joins a long list of DBs Pittsburgh has felt could be a huge asset for the organization in 2024, along with Nate Wiggins and Cooper DeJean from Clemson and Iowa respectively, to name a few. If the Steelers aren't looking to draft anyone to add to the secondary in the early rounds, Kelly could be a good option later on.

Kelly started his collegiate career at UNC in 2019 after originally committing to Auburn University. Kelly's career at UNC lasted until 2022, and in that time, he showed the ability to be a premier defensive back at the collegiate level. At UNC Kelly accumulated 179 total tackles, 107 solo tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.

Kelly would hit the portal after the 2022 season and originally transferred to Virginia. Similarly to his original commitment to Auburn, his commitment to Virginia was short lived. Kelly would make his final decision and would transfer to Louisville. He would further prove himself in his one season in Louisville by reaching the ACC Championship game and having an impressive stat line that included 70 total tackles, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles on the season.

Kelly stands at 6'2" and weighs 210 pounds. His size along with skill allows him to play whatever position in the secondary the Steelers think he best fits. Louisville finished 21st in defense in the 2023 season with Kelly on the roster. One major setback for him is his poor 40-yard dash time of 4.86. Speed is a major concern for the Steelers going into the 2024 season, and Kelly's relatively slow 40 time could be a defining factor in teams willing to draft him. 

Even if speed is a problem, Kelly has proven to be a playmaker. Kelly had 7 interceptions in his college career, and his ability to watch the quarterback's eyes, and track down the ball, should not be overlooked. His tackling ability is also a pivotal part of his play style. The Steelers are looking to draft another prospect in the secondary similar to the addition of Joey Porter Jr. in the 2023 draft. 

There are many options that come before Kelly for the Steelers, however, if Kelly remains on the board after the Steelers fill other necessities, he could be an interesting pick later in the draft. 

What Other Options Remain For The Steelers Late In The Draft? 

If the Steelers are looking for a defensive back late in the draft, there are many other options. Cornerback Al Blades Jr. from Duke being an option the Steelers have already shown interest in. Blades had a solid career at Duke where he brought in 47 total tackles and 10 pass deflections for the Blue Devils. The Blades family is used to having NFL and college talent as well. Blades has many family members who have shown the ability to play high level football, both collegiately and professionally.

Former Pittsburgh Panther, M.J. Devonshire attended a visit with the Steelers as well. Devonshire stands at 5'11" and weighs 190 pounds. During his tenure at Pitt, he racked up 83 total tackles, 8 interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns. Devonshire is another solid late round option for the Steelers and also showed that he's capable of playing special teams as a punt returner. He is not only talented, but also has the locality that Pittsburgh loves. 

Should the Steelers take multiple defensive backs in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft? Who do you yinz think they should pick? Let us know with a comment below!

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