While all the focus remains on the quarterback position in the Steel City, the secondary shouldn’t go ignored for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In all likelihood, Joe Haden has played his last game in Pittsburgh, and Terrell Edmunds' future with the team is up in the air. With a thin cornerback room deplete of talent, and a possible opening at safety, the Steelers should address the secondary when the NFL Draft rolls around in April. That said, the Draft starts in Mobile with the Senior Bowl, which kicks off in less than two weeks. Here are three defensive backs from the Senior Bowl that the Steelers should keep an eye on:
[incontent2]
1) CB Derion Kendrick, Georgia
Kendrick was one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC in 2021. He started his career as a receiver before switching to cornerback in 2019. He had a career-high four interceptions in 2021, and became the top corner on the best defense in college football. He can be utilized in both man and zone coverage schemes, and is incredibly athletic. In a thin cornerback room, Kendrick could realistically become CB1 on the depth chart before Week 1 of 2022.
2) S Jaquan Brisker, Penn State
Brisker was a Swiss Army knife on the Nittany Lions’ defense. He was the biggest factor in Penn State’s Week 1 win in Madison over Wisconsin, making multiple plays following an injury early on, and sealing the game with an interception in the game’s waning minutes. He is an exceptional athlete who can play multiple roles as a defensive back. He has a great nose for the ball and can make plays in the run game with his fantastic closing speed. On top of that, he has a very high football IQ when in coverage. He can get north and south at a high rate, but also moves east and west just as fast. With the status of Terrell Edmunds up in the air, along with the Steelers' lack of depth in the secondary, Brisker would be a great addition on the back end who could also be used in nickel and dime packages, or even try his hand at nickel corner.
[incontent3]
3) CB Roger McCreary, Auburn
McCreary had a very solid 2021 season with the Tigers. He broke up 14 passes and intercepted two, returning one for a touchdown. He moves as well as any defensive back in this class, and can be trusted in downfield situations. He plays the ball very well and his timing is among the best of any player in this class. The Steelers need more sticky cornerbacks who can make plays downfield. James Pierre proved that he was whatever the opposite of that is. Adding McCreary would give Pittsburgh a trusted defender who can keep up with receivers and play the ball in the air.
Who will you be watching for at the Senior Bowl this year? Click to comment below!
#SteelerNation
