The Pittsburgh Steelers have been scouting and meeting with many collegiate cornerbacks as the 2024 NFL Draft edges closer, including interest in Syracuse's Isaiah Johnson. Johnson, who transferred to Syracuse from Dartmouth, was the only Syracuse player invited to the NFL Combine this year. He stands at 6'3" and runs a 4.66 40-yard dash. With him on the roster, Syracuse was rated as the 21st total defense and 14th pass defense in 2022. Johnson started every game his senior year and accumulated 62 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 1 interception, and a forced fumble.
Johnson has more than just one efficient season to show for, however. His time at Dartmouth displayed what was to come in the future for the young defensive back. His final season at Dartmouth saw him receive an All-Ivy League First Team selection. The 2022 season at Syracuse saw Johnson lead in special teams tackles. He also had an interception. Johnson's career has been impressive with 188 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions during his collegiate tenure.
The Steelers are on the market to draft a cornerback early to be support for Joey Porter Jr. and the newly acquired Donte Jackson. General Manager Omar Khan has shown ability to draft talented rookie cornerbacks and that might just be the case for Johnson. Ultimately, the Steelers need depth at the position and with a draft full of cornerback talent, now is the perfect time to add some more.
Johnson would be a middle to late round pick for the Steelers if he is still available. If the Steelers do draft a cornerback, they would most likely search for the best talent early in the draft. However, if Johnson remains after other positions of need are taken care of, he could be one of the best cornerbacks taken in the draft.
The Steelers continue to be a team that is adamantly scouting at every position. They've visited and hosted over 30 of the top college players so far. It is no question that the organization is looking to draft future stars and possible rookie starters.
What Other Options Remain For The Steelers At Cornerback?
One of the most likely candidates to be selected by the Steelers is former Clemson Tigers cornerback, Nate Wiggins. Wiggins' 40-yard dash time alone puts him in the running to be drafted by Pittsburgh. He clocked in at a lightning fast 4.28 seconds. This impressive speed allows him to have an ability to keep up with the fastest NFL wide receivers and be another potential lock down cornerback in the Steel City. Wiggins spent his entire collegiate career at Clemson and during his time, he accumulated 60 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns. Clemson ranked 5th in defense by ESPN with Wiggins as a starter. Wiggins is a projected first round pick and a talented cornerback that the Steelers could benefit from.
Another cornerback that has appeared on several mock drafts and who has caught the eye of many fans is Cooper DeJean. Former Iowa Hawkeye Cooper DeJean is another first round projection that could greatly benefit the Steelers secondary. During his time at Iowa, DeJean showed incredible talent by racking up 120 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 3 defensive touchdowns. DeJean was one of the driving forces that helped Iowa become a defensive powerhouse in 2023. Iowa ranked 7th in total defense last season and DeJean was a clear contributor.
If the Steelers don't leverage any of the cornerback options available, there are other positions with readily available talent. The Steelers also need depth at the center, offensive tackle, and wide receiver.
Should the Steelers take a cornerback 20th overall? Who should it be? Leave your answer in the comments below!
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