Kevin Colbert and the Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time in bolstering their secondary last year with free-agent cornerback Steven Nelson. Free agency hadn’t even officially started when it was reported that Nelson agreed to a three-year deal worth $25.5 million.
Nelson and his counterpart Joe Haden immediately became a fearsome twosome in the Steelers secondary.
Nelson said that one of his goals this season, along with better communication, is to be one of the league’s best corners.
“I definitely do feel like I’m underrated,” Nelson said in a Tuesday press conference. “You know, I think a lot of people feel that way as well. And this year, one of my goals is to just be recognized as one of the better corners in the league.”
When the sports media reports on top corners in the league, names you’ll often see are Marshon Lattimore (Saints), Stephon Gilmore (Patriots), Darius Slay (Eagles) and Tre’Davious White (Bills).
Here’s a quick rundown of their 2019 coverage stats:
- Stephon Gilmore | 102 targets/50 receptions (52.2% completion rate), 0 touchdowns allowed
- Marshon Lattimore | 85 targets/44 receptions (51.8% completion rate), 3 touchdowns allowed
- Darius Slay | 91 targets/52 receptions (57.1% completion rate), 3 touchdowns allowed
- Tre’Davious White | 90 targets/47 receptions (52.2% completion rate), 0 touchdowns allowed
In 583 coverage snaps, Nelson allowed just 37 receptions on 63 targets for a completion percentage of 49 percent. Nelson did not surrender a touchdown all season. PFF gave him a coverage grade of 80.3.
It’s clear Nelson deserves more respect, but I’m sure he’s just fine with being viewed as an underdog by his opponents.
Stats provided by Pro Football Focus.
