Lockdown defender named 'perfect prospect' for Steelers

With the 2023 regular season coming to a close in just a few days, Pro Football Focus revealed who it believes is the "perfect prospect" for the Steelers (9-7). 

PFF's Trevor Sikkema named Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry the perfect prospect for Pittsburgh.

"The Steelers did the right thing by investing in a future starting cornerback in 2023, selecting Joey Porter Jr., but they need to continue to do so," Sikkema writes. "Their secondary is aging fast beyond Porter, and McKinstry is one of the most experienced press-man cornerbacks in the draft."

McKinstry has been one of Alabama's most consistent defenders for the past few years, posting 93 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and 23 passes defensed. If Pittsburgh has a chance to draft him, he would create quite the cornerback duo with Porter Jr. for years to come.

However, that's easier said than done as the Steelers would have the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft if the season were to end today and McKinstry is projected to be picked sooner than that.

The Alabama product currently ranks as PFF's top cornerback and No. 12 overall prospect on its big board. That means Pittsburgh would have to consider trading up in the first round, as it did last year, to guarantee a shot at drafting him.

Sikkema is correct that the Steelers need to add some youth to their secondary. Veteran cornerbacks Patrick Peterson, who is considering a switch to safety, and Levi Wallace, who is set to hit free agency, haven't panned out this season.

Pittsburgh still has fellow rookie CB Cory Trice Jr. waiting in the wings. But the seventh-round pick is far from a guarantee after tearing his ACL in August.

The Steelers have several holes they must attempt to fill this offseason so that they can be more competitive next year. Where cornerback lies on that list is unknown, but McKinstry would be a home-run pick if Pittsburgh can get its hands on him.