For years, journalists everywhere have written about how the Steelers need to draft a cornerback early. This year is more of the same; almost every "expert" is projecting the the Steelers to take a cb in the first round.
People do tend to forget though that we addressed the position last year, taking Senquez Golson (2nd round) and Doran Grant (4th round). Both basically got a redshirt year, but Tomlin has talked highly of Golson; Grant though remains an enigma.
This could be the year though. Seriously. If you follow my tweets you know I'm a major skeptic regarding us drafting a cb in the 1st. Recent events though have started to sway me towards the possibility. I personally don't think our cb group is as bad and desperate as some people say, but that's not what this article is about. I do agree however that it is one of our biggest needs.
There are two names out there that I feel are legitimate contenders to break the streak of not drafting a cb in the first since 1997:
William Jackson III (Houston) & Mackensie Alexander (Clemson).
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On William Jackson III, the Steelers recently showed a great amount of interest in him. Both Tomlin & Colbert were present at his pro day and dined with him. The Steelers also dined with Dupree last year... just sayin'.
If you want to learn more about William Jackson III, you can read these scouting reports by Steelers Depot and DraftWire.
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On Mackensie Alexander, the Steelers have shown interest in him as well. They met with him at the combine. They also attended his pro day and had a private meeting with him that night.
If you want to learn more about Mackensie Alexander, you can read this scouting reports by Steelers Depot.
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These aren't the only puzzle pieces eithers.
Writer Gerry Dulac tweeted out a quote by Kevin Colbert on the subject matter:
This is a simple statement, but a lot can be taken away from it. At first glance one could assume that this statement means the Steelers won't be taking a cb early, but Colbert has a great poker face. The Steelers never reveal their draft plans early. This statement exemplifies how the Steelers operate in draft season; it works as a potential red herring to not give hints of the Steelers plan to draft a cb early, and it also helps silence those who constantly scream that the Steelers have no choice but draft a cb in the first round.
Dulac couples that tweet with another on the subject matter:
This tweet in a way reinforces the ideas I previously stated. The Steelers aren't just talking the talk, they're walking the walk and researching cb's. This statement may seem obvious after the prior news on the two prospects, but it's still encouraging for those like myself who want to have some hope that the Steelers will draft a cb high.
Final Thoughts:
Too often now-a-days, people confuse opinion with fact. The only facts written in this article are that the Steelers have shown interest in top-tier cornerbacks and have done their due diligence on these prospects.
It's easy to say that cornerback is the Steelers top need at the moment. It's also easy to point at that the Steelers have drafted a cornerback in the 1st round in 19 years.
However, I feel all of this news gives fans a reason to be excited. I wouldn't place a bet on what position we're going to draft, but the odds of drafting a first round cb this year are better than ever.
What is this article exactly? It's not a scouting report, it's not insider information, it's not breaking news. This is a compilation of all the news that's been reported regarding the Steelers taking a cb in the first round. I don't have the answer to whether or not we'll take a first round cb. We don't even know if Alexander and Jackson III will be available at 25. Don't take my opinion as fact. Read everything, analyze it, and go ahead and form your own opinion. Share it with me and others and have an intelligent discussion. That's the beauty of draft season.
Thanks for reading.
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