Steelers: Perfect NFL Draft replacement for Steven Nelson
Cutting Steven Nelson leaves the Steelers with a hole at cornerback. Here’s how Pittsburgh can address that need in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Steelers don’t have the salary cap space required to replace Steven Nelson in free agency. That means if Pittsburgh wants to find an upgrade at cornerback, they need to do it via the 2021 NFL Draft.
The team unsurprisingly elected to cut ties with Nelson on Tuesday after his public comments rubbed Steelers officials the wrong way. Nelson wanted a new contract while Pittsburgh’s front office was more than happy to let him play out the final year of his deal.
The 28-year-old’s departure doesn’t leave the Steelers devoid of talent at corner. They return Joe Haden and Justin Layne as their projected starters on the outside. Cameron Sutton should have enough juice to be the starting nickel back.
It’s still smart for the Steelers to explore the possibility of adding a new potential starter in the draft. Haden’s advancing age should play a factor in moving cornerback up the list of the team’s priorities once the draft arrives.
Steelers can find perfect Steven Nelson replacement in NFL Draft
If the Steelers want to use their first round selection to strengthen the group then Jaycee Horn becomes the obvious choice for Mike Tomlin and his staff. The former South Carolina star has all the physical tools required to blossom into a high-quality starter down the line. The swagger and toughness he plays with on the outside make him the perfect addition for the Pittsburgh defense.
Critics of Horn will point out his questionable tackling technique as a reason why he should slide into Day 2. That’s a weakness that can easily be corrected at the next level. Passing on him because he takes a few bad angles against the run would be a foolish mistake for any front office.
Horn’s most intriguing skill on film is his ability to make plays on the ball in the air. That’s not surprising since he’s the son of a former NFL wide receiver. Having Joe Horn as a father seems to have rubbed off on Jaycee in terms of breaking on the football in space.
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The Steelers might opt to address their need at corner later in the draft, but landing Horn with the No. 24 pick would be a perfect response to Nelson’s departure.