Steelers Brass Believe They Have A Hidden Gem In Their Secondary With Donte Jackson

The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves this offseason with a series of bold moves, none more significant than the decision to part ways with star wide receiver Diontae Johnson. In exchange, they acquired cornerback Donte Jackson from the Carolina Panthers. With six seasons of NFL experience under his belt, Jackson has established himself as a reliable presence in the secondary.

Despite Jackson's solid track record, not everyone shares the Steelers' enthusiastic appraisal of him. However, reports indicate that Jackson was a coveted player within the Steelers organization for some time. When the opportunity arose to acquire him, the Steelers wasted no time in making the move, highlighting their confidence in his abilities.

Of particular interest is Jackson's potential partnership with the Steelers' rising star, Joey Porter Jr. The Steelers are eagerly anticipating the synergy between these two talented players, believing that their combined skills will fortify the team's secondary.

Further insights into the Steelers' perspective on Jackson were unveiled during Brooke Pryor's appearance on the PFN Cincinnati Bengals Podcast, hosted by Dallas Robinson and featured on the Pro Football Network YouTube channel. 

"In some conversations I've had with people on the Steelers' staff, they said, ‘This is a guy who is really underrated.’ He's really flown under the radar. He's been hampered by some injuries. But they think he can step in. And if he's healthy, be a good pairing opposite Joey Porter Jr."

Jackson's six-season tenure in the league has been marked by consistent impact and reliability. Having participated in 80 games, with 76 starts to his name, Jackson's presence on the field has been consistent. His impressive stat line includes 14 interceptions, one of which resulted in a touchdown, along with 46 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one sack, and a total of 303 combined tackles, with an impressive 248 of those being solo stops. Such contributions have solidified Jackson's reputation as a dependable defensive back, making him a prized addition to the Steelers' roster.

While Jackson's arrival injects a sense of stability into the Steelers' secondary, questions linger about other positions, notably the nickelback role. With Porter and Jackson expected to anchor the left and right sides, attention turns to who will fill the crucial nickelback position. As it stands, Darius Rush emerges as a likely candidate to step into this pivotal role. Additionally, former seventh-round draft pick Cory Trice Jr. is poised to vie for playing time and make an impact in the upcoming 2024 season. 

Steelers Defense Is Expected To Be A Force In 2024

The Steelers' defense has been the linchpin of their recent successes, relying on stalwarts like Minkah Fitzpatrick, TJ Watt, and Cam Heyward to anchor their formidable lineup. This offseason, the defense received a significant boost with the addition of Patrick Queen, further bolstering their ranks. Alex Highsmith's stellar performance has only added to the unit's strength, positioning the Steelers' defense as a formidable force poised to rank among the league's elite in 2024. With the inclusion of Jackson, the defense gains another dynamic playmaker, elevating expectations for the season ahead.

Despite these improvements, the secondary remains an area of concern in terms of depth. However, the Steelers are optimistic that players like Rush and Trice will rise to the occasion and fill crucial roles. Additionally, the late-round selection of Ryan Watts in the 2024 draft has instilled confidence in the team, as they believe in his potential to make an impact in the secondary eventually. With a talented roster and promising prospects, the Steelers' defense is poised for dominance in the upcoming season, making them a team to watch closely in 2024.

While their secondary may be a weak point in terms of depth, the Steelers boast an abundance of talent in other defensive positions, which helps mitigate concerns in that area. While it's unrealistic to expect every position to be stacked with talent, the Steelers' defensive lineup comes close. With a formidable roster across the board, Steelers fans are eagerly anticipating the debut of their revamped team in the upcoming 2024 season.