When the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves on the clock in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they have several options.The organization could take the center. They can compound offense for the second year in a row. They could do the same around the corner.Defensive line might even be in play if the right guy drops and picks 20..
So far, corner has been the most popular projection for the Steelers, although there has been no consensus on which corner they should take.The Steelers now have two more drafts scheduled for cornerbacks. In both halves, Alabama Kool-Aid McKinstry played at corner.First, SI’s Patrick Chiotti had the Steelers selecting McKinstry in his Jan. 19 mock..
Two days later, Parker Abate of Steelers Nation revealed that he expected the same pick exclusively for the Steelers.McKinstry stood out from Alabama and is expected to join the NFL’s Crimson Tide defensive backs..
Another Star Defensive Back for Alabama
Star defensive backs are nothing new for the Alabama Crimson Tide.They have had 9 defensive backs taken in the first two rounds of the last 10 NFL drafts..
One of them is Minkah Fitzpatrick, who just made his fourth Pro Bowl as a member of the Steelers.They actually have two corners in the 2024 draft that will likely make this list.McKinstry and Terrion Arnold are likely to come off the board in the first 25 picks..
Of the two, Arnold has the more impressive stats, but McKinstry could be a perfect fit for the Steelers defense with Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback.McKinstry only had two interceptions in three years, but he was very good in coverage.Against a tough SEC schedule, McKinstry allowed just 19 catches for 205 yards on 39 carries in 14 games in 2023.He has a great combination of size and speed that should allow him to continue to be a nuisance for opponents. he jumps to the NFL..
Although he didn’t put steals on the board, he could be very valuable in Pittsburgh without them.He and Porter Jr. would make it difficult for opponents to find gaps, giving the team’s talented rusher time to get to the quarterback.Alabama and the entire SEC have sent many defensive backs to the NFL who have had good careers..
A Steelers Secondary That Still Needs Help
Although he didn’t put steals on the board, he could be very valuable in Pittsburgh without them.He and Porter Jr. would make it difficult for opponents to find gaps, giving the team’s talented rusher time to get to the quarterback.Alabama and the entire SEC have sent many defensive backs to the NFL who have had good careers..
Even with Peterson on the roster and Porter Jr. standout as a rookie, the team’s pass defense still wasn’t great last season.They had the 10th most yards per pass attempt in the league in 2023 despite having seven quarterbacks on their roster who were not their team’s starters in Week 1.This has led to the team now being tied for several cornerbacks, including Iowa’s Cooper De. Jean, Kalen King of Penn State, Nate Wiggins of Clemson and McKinstry.Regardless of who they land, the Steelers definitely need an upgrade against Porter Jr. in the secondary..
