Steelers Have Interview With Proven Duke Cornerback Ahead Of 2024 NFL Draft

Blades has many family relations to previous NFL and College Football talent, including his father Al Blades Sr. who played at Miami in the late 1990's and early 2000's. His father would be signed to the San Francisco 49ers and released shortly after. Blades Sr. would later pass away in March 2003 in a car accident. 

Blades' cousin, linebacker H.B. Blades, played for the then-Washington Redskins between 2007 and 2010. His uncle Bennie Blades played safety for the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks and was a Pro Bowl selection in 1991. His other uncle Brian Blades was a national champion in college and a Pro Bowler in the NFL. Brian Blades was arrested for murder shortly after his NFL career started. 

His extended family controversy could affect his draft stock and interest teams have in him. Many NFL teams may avoid a player who could have potential controversies. 

Blades Jr. could be a very interesting pick for the Steelers to make. He is projected to be an undrafted free agent, but that has proven to be irrelevant for some players. While in college, Blades had an overall solid career in which he accumulated 138 total tackles, four interceptions, and 24 pass deflections, 10 of which came in his senior year at Duke. Blades could add plenty of depth for the cornerback position and could give slot receivers plenty of trouble.  

What Are The Problems The Steelers Currently Face At Cornerback? 

The Steelers mainly need to add more depth and rookies that can transform into future stars. Speed is a very big priority for the Steelers if they draft a cornerback. The 2023 season saw cornerbacks get beaten on the line of scrimmage by many speedy receivers. The upcoming class has some very fast cornerbacks who have the speed and physicality to give even the best NFL wide receivers trouble.  

Blades, among others are great answers for the depth and speed issues. Blades ran a solid 4.57 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Wiggins is another great speedy option for the Steelers, the only issue in drafting Wiggins is likely having to use a first or second round pick to acquire him. Wiggins ran a blazing fast 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.28 seconds. DeJean has also shown respectable speed, running a 4.50 40-yard dash. All three of these cornerbacks have shown the ability to lock down the highest college talent and look to move on to the NFL to do the same. 

Who Else Could The Steelers Pick Late In The Draft? 

The Steelers have more options at cornerback late in the draft. Shon Stephens is an interesting cornerback in the upcoming draft for many reasons. Stephens comes from Division II Ferris State where he had only 25 tackles, but proved himself to be an absolute ballhawk with eight interceptions in one season. Stephens was a player that constantly wanted and tried to be on Division I rosters. He had many offers, but personal hardships got in the way. Despite his personal problems however, Stephens was able to become a Division II football legend at Ferris State. Stephens is also Porter Jr.'s cousin; which could possibly give him an extra foot in the door to playing with the Steelers. 

Should the Steelers draft multiple cornerbacks in the draft? Who should they be? Let us know with a