Steelers Rookie Daylen Everette Is Thriving Under Fire

According to PFF, Everette has allowed the lowest completion percentage among rookie cornerbacks. Quarterbacks have completed just eight of 17 passes thrown his way, according to PFF’s tracking data. Even more impressive, he has allowed only 93 receiving yards and recorded three pass breakups. Quarterbacks have posted a 64.1 passer rating when targeting Everette in coverage.

Although his early production has surprised some observers, Everette has still experienced the rookie mistakes that come with adjusting to the NFL. Nevertheless, the initial returns look promising for a third-round pick who entered the season as a developmental prospect.

Some of Everette’s success also stems from defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s conservative, soft-zone approach. That scheme can help young cornerbacks by allowing them to read the quarterback and keep plays in front of them. Still, Everette must execute his assignments, make tackles and capitalize on opportunities. His early numbers suggest he is doing enough to earn the coaching staff’s trust.

Perhaps some of us underestimated Everette’s readiness for the NFL. At Georgia, he routinely faced some of the best receivers in the SEC and college football, including Cam Coleman, Ryan Cole-Williams, Ryan Wingo and De’Zhaun Stribling. Those matchups gave him valuable experience against talented pass catchers, even if the NFL presents an entirely different challenge.

Everette’s Opportunity Could Pay Off

The Steelers didn’t necessarily expect Everette to play such a significant defensive role this early in his career, but circumstances have created an opportunity for him to accelerate his development. Every snap gives him another chance to refine his technique, improve his coverage instincts and adjust to the speed of the professional game.

There will undoubtedly be more difficult moments ahead, particularly as opposing quarterbacks identify his weaknesses and test him with increasingly challenging matchups. However, Everette’s early production gives Pittsburgh reason to remain optimistic. If he continues limiting completions, making plays on the football and learning from his mistakes, he could establish himself as a legitimate long-term option in the secondary.

Everette still has plenty to prove, but his unexpected opportunity is already producing encouraging results. The Steelers may have found a promising young cornerback who can contribute sooner than anticipated.