The 2026 NFL Draft is less than 50 days away, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are already evaluating a wide range of prospects they hope to bring to the Steel City. One position that could be addressed this spring is defensive back, a group expected to have plenty of intriguing options when the draft begins in late April. Pittsburgh has occasionally found success developing defensive backs, and the team may be hoping to uncover another impact player soon. In fact, one of the 2026 draft prospects has already drawn comparisons to former Steelers fan favorite Mike Hilton.
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Former Steelers CB Mike Hilton getting ready before a play.
The Steelers have been missing that hard-hitting nickel corner every since they let Hilton walk in free agency in 2021. Many fans grew fond of Hilton for his tackling ability and knack for getting to the quarterback, and there is one defensive back prospect in this year's draft that might brings a similar style of play, and that is Keionte Scott from Miami.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo talked with Adam Bittner on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette YouTube Channel, taking a look at some of the prospects that the team could look to bring in. Bittner brought up the playmaking ability of Scott, and how is play reminds him of Hilton, and Fittipaldo said that is exactly what the Steelers could use, and they could even get him after the first night.
“You don’t see slot corners go in the first round, and I think the value is getting those guys in the second or third round. Those guys are very valuable," Fittipaldo said. "If they can get a guy who can come in and be that guy again, having a physical guy who can play at the line of scrimmage, help out with duties in the run game I think that’s a plus that every coach would want to have.”
Scott was a do-it-all guy for the Hurricanes in 2025, helping lead them all the way to the CFP National Championship Game. Scott finished 2025 with 64 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, seven passes defended, two interceptions and two touchdowns.
One thing that jumps out when watching Scott is how active he is around the ball. He isn’t the type of defensive back who just sits back in coverage and waits for the play to come to him. Instead, he attacks downhill, crashes the line of scrimmage, and looks for ways to disrupt the offense. That style is exactly why some people have started bringing up the Hilton comparison.
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Miami defensive back Keionte Scott celebrates after his pick-six against Ohio State in the 2026 College Football Playoff.
During Hilton’s time in Pittsburgh, he became known as one of the best blitzing defensive backs in the league. The Steelers used him in creative ways, sending him after the quarterback and letting him blow up plays in the backfield. Scott has shown he can do that same kind of thing. Five sacks from a defensive back is impressive at any level, and it shows that he has the instincts and timing to get into the backfield.
Another reason Scott is interesting for Pittsburgh is his versatility. He’s comfortable playing in the slot, helping against the run, and even dropping back into coverage when needed. The Steelers have always valued defensive backs who can do a little bit of everything, especially in today’s NFL. Having a nickel defender who can blitz, tackle, and cover gives a defense a lot more flexibility.
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Miami defensive back Keionte Scott during the 2026 College Football Playoff.
If the Steelers are able to grab him on the second day of the draft, it could end up being one of those picks that looks even better a year or two down the road. Defensive backs often take some time to adjust to the NFL, but Scott’s aggressive style and football instincts could help him carve out a role early. Even if he doesn’t start right away, he could still be used in sub-packages and special teams while he develops.
Steelers Got Strong Nickel Play During The 2025 Season
Another thing that could help Scott if he lands in Pittsburgh is the veterans already in the secondary. In 2025, Brandin Echols and Jalen Ramsey both spent time playing the nickel position, and both players performed well in that role.
Having experienced corners like that around could make a big difference for a young defensive back. Ramsey has seen just about everything in the league, and Echols has proven he can handle the responsibilities of playing inside. If Scott ends up in Pittsburgh, learning from those two could really help his development. With the right coaching and mentorship, Scott has the tools to grow into a difference-maker in the Steelers defense.
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