Fansided

5 burning questions the Steelers must answer in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) during the first half of an NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 24, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) during the first half of an NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 24, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Can the corners hold up?

The Steelers drafted Artie Burns with the hope he could be a long-time starter at cornerback. Instead, there’s a real chance he’ll be released before training camp really gets under way. Whether or not he makes the opening day roster, this team has to find three cornerbacks they can trust to play lots of snaps in 2019.

It’s safe to assume that free agency signing Steven Nelson will start on one side of the field. He certainly wasn’t great for the Chiefs last year, but there’s hope inside the Steelers’ organization that their scheme will help get the best out of him this season. Pittsburgh needs that to happen if they’re going to cobble together a competent secondary.

Joe Haden looks like a lock to start on the other side. He’s, at worst, a competent outside cornerback in this league. If either he or Nelson falter, rookie Justin Layne is going to get a chance to play early in his rookie season. He’s got the length to emerge as a really good NFL cornerback, but he’ll need to adjust to the speed of the game very quickly to help Pittsburgh this season.

Cameron Sutton’s development might be the thing that really makes or breaks this defense. He’s likely going to get the first opportunity to serve as the team’s starting slot corner. He’s got the athleticism to hold up in that role, but he must play more consistent football in 2019.

It’s possible the Steelers can emerge with three good starting cornerbacks this year, but it’s also possible they could struggle mightily at two spots.

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