Steelers: Is their secondary improved?

Bill Rippey
Updated
Steelers
Steelers

The 2016 NFL Draft is now in the past, and us Steeler fans may have more questions than answers. The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t like the Cleveland Browns who seem to always get an “A” for their draft grade. I am pretty sure the Browns have aced the past 20 drafts, which has really worked out (If you don’t believe me ask Billy Manziel). The Steelers don’t need an “A” for their grade, they need productive players.

We can go round and round about the Steelers draft picks. Yes, they got a cornerback, safety, a defensive lineman, and plenty of backups on both sides of the field. If the Steelers plan on starting three rookies this year, then say goodbye to any Super Bowl hopes.

The Steelers defensive schemes are very hard to adjust to. It took James Harrison three years to gain a starting job. The Steelers threw Jarvis Jones, Bud Dupree and Ryan Shazier into this defense as starting rookies and it has not seemed to be productive. Jones’s fifth year option was just declined, but in all reality we should not even look at his first two years, because of the transition to this incredibly complex defense.

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If Artie Burns gets thrown into the starting role, plan on him giving up plenty of big plays. He needs to be on the sidelines to learn the system and gain confidence. If Sean Davis is handed the starting role over Robert Golden, then expect the same old blown coverage schemes. Davis needs time to build a rapport with Mike Mitchell and the cornerbacks.

Let us assume the rookies do not start, then TWO BACKUPS from last year’s team will now become starters. Ross Cockrell, who could not beat out Antwon Blake for a starting cornerback role will get picked apart by opposing quarterbacks. Robert Golden, who couldn’t beat out Will Allen, will get toasted by sub-par receivers.

SO the question is: Will the Steelers Secondary be better next year? I really don’t see any possible way the secondary can even be as equal as last year’s group. Next year will be worse, let’s just hope that we outscore everyone.

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