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5 breakout stars to watch for Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 24: Benny Snell Jr #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 24: Benny Snell Jr #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by cornerback Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after review fails 1 yard short of the touchdown in the first quarter of the game at at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by cornerback Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after review fails 1 yard short of the touchdown in the first quarter of the game at at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2. CB Steven Nelson

Last offseason, general manager Kevin Colbert addressed the Steelers’ shaky defense with free-agent additions such as linebacker Mark Barron and cornerback Steven Nelson while giving up the club’s 2020 first-round draft choice to the Miami Dolphins for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in September. While the former proved to be a disappointment and was let go earlier this year, Fitzpatrick more than exceeded expectations and wound up earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his first season with the team thanks to 57 tackles, five interceptions, two fumble recoveries and nine passes defensed. He returned two of his seven takeaways for touchdowns.

But Nelson also proved his worth after inking a three-year, $25 million deal (via Spotrac) a year ago. The former member of the Kansas Chiefs finished the year with 61 tackles, eight passes defensed and a pair of takeaways. He also earned a Top 10 grade at his position from Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

The 2015 third-round draft choice of the Kansas City Chiefs did not intercept a pass in his first three seasons in the league. Now over the past two years there have been five picks and 23 passes defensed. Can you say late-bloomer when it comes to the former Oregon State product?

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