Steelers Minicamp: CB #2 role could be up for grabs despite recent trade for veteran corner
Typically, when franchises give up capital for a proven asset, he's the one who starts for the team. And while that could very well happen for Pittsburgh Steelers' new CB Donte Jackson, there is a chance he doesn't hold on to that role for very long thanks to a rising second-year corner. More on him […]
Typically, when franchises give up capital for a proven asset, he's the one who starts for the team.
And while that could very well happen for Pittsburgh Steelers' new CB Donte Jackson, there is a chance he doesn't hold on to that role for very long thanks to a rising second-year corner.
More on him and two other defenders to watch at Steelers' mandatory minicamp:
CB Darius Rush
Rush was the clear standout among Steelers OTAs. His length and athleticism were never a question, more so how well he would develop as a true corner and actual football player.
One source I spoke with explained that he thought Rush was a lock to go in the top 100 of the 2023 NFL Draft after an amazing Senior Bowl, excellent combine, and stellar pre-draft process with few character questions.
But after falling to the fifth round and then getting cut by Indy, it was clear that the physical traits were there, but the rawness was just too much to overcome in one offseason.
Pittsburgh has taken the time to mold Rush ever since they poached him off the Chiefs practice squad, and it's shown throughout the offseason thus far.
So don't be surprised if he starts mixing in with the starting rotation opposite of Joey Porter Jr., putting pressure on Donte Jackson.
S DeShon Elliott
While Elliott is an enforcer at the safety position and will probably make his best impression when the pads come on, seeing him fly around with Minkah Fitzpatrick and make plays on the ball should be of interest to every Steelers fan.
With stability at the position opposite of him, Fitzpatrick is looking to get back to playing his brand of football after a season that saw him tasked with making up for personnel issues and battle injury.
Elliott will be a catalyst for Minkah's resurgence.
LB Payton Wilson
The rookie from N.C. State might be buried on the depth chart right now, but with Cole Holcomb still rehabbing and Elandon Roberts approaching the final year of his deal, there is a real chance that Wilson and Queen are the starting inside LB duo.
Seeing how well Wilson acclimates to mock training camp conditions could foreshadow a starting role for a player that Pittsburgh believes will be a steal.
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