The Pittsburgh Steelers checked off nearly every box in the NFL Draft in terms of team needs.
But the one position of question that didn’t receive much attention was outside corner.
A survey of the post draft free agent landscape proves Pittsburgh may still be in luck:
Go For Gilmore
Gilmore will turn 34 at the start of the 2024 season but has performed well in three one-year stints with different teams since 2022. He earned a 69.3 PFF coverage grade in 2023, allowing 734 yards and five touchdowns from 622 snaps in coverage while totaling 11 combined interceptions and pass breakups. The Steelers played Cover 1 on 25.8% of passing downs last season, with the Cowboys one of just five teams to do so at a higher rate, and still have a need at cornerback.
-Gordon McGuinness, PFF
The Steelers decided to let go of future Hall of Fame CB Patrick Peterson ahead of free agency a few months ago, looking to the trade market for their next outside corner.
They believe they found that in Donte Jackson, who was acquired via the Diontae Johnson trade. But Jackson has had difficulty staying healthy over the course of his career and is more resemblant of the corners Pittsburgh likes on the inside opposed to the perimeter.
The team also used their final pick of the draft to select Texas DB Ryan Watts. I think Watts is better off in a safety role as opposed to a corner but he’s versatile and could make his way into the spot, but asking him to be the starter opposite of Joey Porter Jr. is a tall task.
And look, I know asking a 34-year-old corner to hold up all season and play at a high level is rich, but Gilmore played and started every game for Dallas last season, recording multiple interceptions, double-digit pass breakups, and a career-high in tackles. So if you’re Pittsburgh, you think long and hard about another one-year deal for a proven commodity.
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