The Pittsburgh Steelers have very high expectations about their 2026 rookie class. Most -- or maybe even all of these young guys -- will not be starters in Week 1, however. There is still a lot for them to learn throughout the offseason program and training camp. The expectation is that they show consistent growth to the point where they can eventually become key contributors to future teams or even sub in during 2026 whenever someone is injured or just needs a breather. Even if these guys barely play, their development will have a major impact on future decisions.
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Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 8, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA.
During a post-practice interview, Defensive Backs Coach / Defensive Pass Game Coordinator Jason Simmons was asked about the early development of one of his men. He had nothing but amazing things to say about the rookie.
"When I think about [Daylen Everette], I think about humility; he's played in a lot of big games coming from Georgia," Simmons said with a smile. "You want to talk about receptive to coaching? He absolutely is. He is a sponge, he's a bright guy, and the next thing is his poise as well. To be a young guy, to not go up and down, to realize when you say you're going up against a quality receiver like DK Metcalf, he doesn't let that take him out of his technique, and I love the confidence."
Third-round rookie cornerback Daylen Everette will most likely not see many meaningful snaps in 2026 due to how stacked the cornerback room is. However, that has not stopped him from working his tail off and showing his coaching staff what kind of player he truly is. He is proving every analyst right about all the positives of his game. Soon, we will get to see that on game day.
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Steelers cornerback Daylen Everette during a game against Georgia Tech in the 2025 college season.
If Everette keeps playing and learning like Simmons claims he has, the Steelers may have to find a way to include him in the defensive game plan. Whether that's putting him in dime situations or allowing him to get a little work in a somewhat different role, it still is possible for the third-rounder to find himself on the field. At the very least, he can check in for special teams, or to help the starters catch their breath.
If Simmons' analysis is right, it would be fair to say that the moment won't be too big for Everette whenever he does check into the game. The confidence is just oozing out of him, but it's also not in a negative way that could lead to unsportsmanlike penalties. He does what he is asked, and does it well. He lets his game do the talking for him, and that's exactly what the team wants.
Steelers Could Use Everette To Motivate Others
If Everette keeps working like he has been, he will be moving up the depth chart in no time. That should be taken as a threat to someone like Asante Samuel Jr., another depth piece who is looking to gain favor with his coaches and see more snaps. He has the advantage of playing some quality snaps in 2025, but if he lets his guard down for even a second, he's suddenly a bubble player.
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Steelers' Asante Samuel Jr. warming up before a regular season game against the Bills in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season.
The Steelers have made it very clear that they value defensive back depth a ton, but that doesn't mean that there will be fewer battles in practice. In fact, that means there will be a lot more as bubble players fight for the last spot on the 53-man roster. The starters are known, but Everette is working his way up. Everyone else needs to start working like him.
What do you think about Simmons praising Everette early on? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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