CORNERBACK ROOM PREDICTIONS- Joey Porter Jr, Donte Jackson, Cam Sutton, Darius Rush, Cory Trice Jr, Ryan Watts *Honorable Mention- Anthony Averett*
Joey Porter Jr is the only starter from last season who has kept his job throughout this offseason. JPJ was the Steelers’ second round pick in the 2023 draft and started in eleven games for them this past season. Recording ten pass deflections, Porter was the highest graded cornerback for the Steelers in 2023, per Pro Football Focus. Porter was a star in the Steelers’ secondary last year and proved that he is the best cornerback on the team. With his production in 2023, Joey Porter Jr is slated to be a top-tier level cornerback heading into year two for the Penn State student.
Donte Jackson spent six years with the Panthers, recording fourteen career interceptions for Carolina. Jackson was traded to the Steelers in return for Diontae Johnson in a pick swap. The Steelers made this trade after losing two starting outside cornerbacks in this year’s offseason in Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace. The Steelers are getting an experienced corner who has slowed down in production the past few seasons but still has the talent and potential to be a solid number two guy. Jackson and Porter can pair well with one another. Donte Jackson’s starting experience can help Joey Porter’s development similarly to how Patrick Peterson’s experience helped Porter in so many ways.
Cameron Sutton is the projected starting nickel cornerback for the Steelers heading into 2024. Sutton was with the Steelers for his first six years in the league. In 2023, Sutton would sign a three-year contract with the Lions and in his first season with the team, his production was underwhelming to say the least. Sutton spent his offseason being on the run from police about a domestic assault case. This would also lead to his release from the Lions. However, due to drama settling down and the cases being dropped. Sutton is coming back to the Steelers on a one-year deal. With his previous experience in the defensive system, Sutton is expected to be the team’s starting nickel cornerback.
Cory Trice Jr was another cornerback drafted by the Steelers in the 2023 draft. Unlike Joey Porter, Trice’s rookie season was cut short to an ACL tear in training camp. Cory Trice spent his college career at UCF and played great. But due to injuries concerns, Trice was selected in the seventh round. Due to the likelihood of another injury, Trice will most likely be limited in his role in 2024. Which sucks as his production and potential is not the issue. If Cory Trice can remain healthy, it would not be surprising for him to be a potential starter later in his career. Trice is currently the projected number three man for outside cornerbacks behind Donte Jackson and JPJ.
Heading into the 2024 offseason, Darius Rush was the projected starting nickel cornerback until the Cameron Sutton signing. The Steelers had the likes of Chandon Sullivan and Desmond Kings start at nickel in 2023 but never found a true starter. Despite only playing in two games in 2023, Rush was expected to do well for the Steelers. Even though he is not a starter, Rush will still play a minor role in the defense as the Steelers’ defense is constantly rotating in games. With Darius Rush’ 4.36 speed, he has the skills to match up with quick receivers.
Ryan Watts was the Steelers’ sixth round pick in this year’s draft. Watts played both safety and cornerback in college. This unique play could translate well into the NFL. Watts has the tall build to guard tight ends and running backs in the slot while also having the quickness to play safety. This is versatility that the Steelers could not have given up in the sixth round. Despite having a great build and unique versatility, Watts’ role will mostly be a special teamer and rotational piece. Unless Ryan Watts takes a remarkable step in his play throughout training camp, Watts will only see the field on special defensive packages.