As we get closer to the 2019 NFL draft, we decided to break down the positional units for the Pittsburgh Steelers most consider the top draft needs. We start off with cornerbacks. If you do a quick internet search for mock drafts, most of them will have one of the three top cornerbacks in the first round to the Steelers. But is cornerback really the spot where the Steelers need help the most? Let’s take a look.
Joe Haden
The star of this group is, of course, Joe Haden. Haden was signed by the Steelers after the Browns released him just before the start of the 2017 season and he’s been the best cornerback on the team ever since. Haden will turn 30 this year and is in the final year of his contract but shows no signs of slowing down.
Steven Nelson
Pittsburgh made a splash in free agency this offseason when they signed former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson to a three-year, $25.5 million contract. He should be the day one starter opposite Haden and benefit greatly playing on a better defense than he did in Kansas City.
Mike Hilton
Pittsburg found a star when they added Mike Hilton to the roster three seasons ago. He’s one of the top slot cornerbacks in the league with his ability to cover and blitz. He’s only 25 years old and is currently waiting to sign his ERFA tender while he and the Steelers try to work out a bigger contract.
Artie Burns
The former first-round pick fell flat last season and ended up being benched. Burns is entering the fourth year of his contract and the Steelers have until May 2 to exercise his fifth-year option. This isn’t going to happen so Burns is basically playing his final season and unless he turns things around won’t be back in 2020.
Cameron Sutton
The Steelers drafted Cameron Sutton in the third round of the 2017 draft but through three seasons we really have no idea what he can do. He has two years left on his rookie deal and should compete with Burns for the team’s fourth cornerback spot.
All the rest
Brian Allen, Jack Tocho, Herb Waters and Mercelis Branch round out the roster. None of these guys appear to be in a spot to push for the No. 4 spot on the depth chart. Allen has been with the team the longest and should have a leg up on the rest but all these guys are pretty limited in terms of potential.
Draft philosophy
There are two ways to view this group. The top three spots are locked in. So drafting a cornerback his doesn’t make much sense if they can’t supplant Haden, Nelson or Hilton. A top pick on a dime cornerback seems excessive with the team’s other needs.
But if you consider this could be the last season for Haden in Pittsburgh, it changes things. A top rookie might not get a ton of reps now but there’s little chance any of the guys above would be an adequate replacement for Haden in 2020.
