By Carter English
www.SteelerNation.com
With the 53-man roster deadline approaching within the next week, it’s time to look at who’s making the team from the Cornerback position. I personally believe that the Steelers are going to keep five cornerbacks on their 53-man roster. As of August 29th, here are the 11 cornerbacks currently on the Steelers Roster:
Brian Allen, Artie Burns, Ross Cockrell, Brandon Dixon, William Gay, Senquez Golson, Mike Hilton, Deshaun Phillips, Coty Sensabaugh, JaCorey Shepherd, and Cameron Sutton.
Starters (Burns, Cockrell)
Last year in the AFC Championship game, the Steelers got their rear ends handed to them. The secondary could not stop Patriots QB Tom Brady from lighting up their team. Consequently, this happened because of the inexperienced young guys playing on the field. Nevertheless, this is why I believe that former first rounder, Artie Burns, is going to be the star of these cornerbacks. Burns will be on the field 100% of the time this year. Last year, Burns really impressed Steelers fans with three interceptions. Burns also got good experience last year by playing in the AFC Championship game. Artie knows what it takes now to win big games, and Steelers fans can’t wait to see his potential this year.
On the opposite side of the field, I believe that Ross Cockrell will be the other starting CB for the Steelers. Last year, while being targeted plenty of times Cockrell wasn't able to come away with any Interceptions. However, Cockrell did have a career high 62 total tackles on the field and 14 passes defended. If Cockrell can adjust to the opposing offenses and get some more interceptions, I believe that he
will be the 2nd starting CB for the Steelers.
Slot Cornerback (Gay)
Starting in the slot, I see 11-year CB William Gay at this spot. I know that Gay has already passed his prime at age 32, but the heart and experience that Gay brings to the table has no match on this team.
Backup Outside CB (Sensabaugh)
With Cockrell already splitting time with Coty Sensabaugh I think it's safe to say he will back up the two outside corner position. Sensabaugh is entering into his 6th season in the NFL, he has played for the Titans, Rams, and Giants in this stretch. Sensabaugh has the experience and skill to be on an NFL roster, and the Steelers are just lucky that they can have an experienced CB in Sensabaugh.
Backup slot CB (Sutton)
Finally, I see the Steelers 2017 3rd round pick making the final roster.
That 3rd round pick is none other than Cameron Sutton from the University of Tennessee. At Tennessee, Sutton had a total of 127 total tackles and 7 interceptions. Sutton may not be getting much playing time this year, but in years to come I guarantee you that he is going to be a star.
