2024 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers take another CB?
The Pittsburgh Steelers could find themselves another cornerback early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are reaping the benefits of taking a cornerback early in the draft and Joey Porter Jr. is emerging into a potential building block for the team.
However, the Steelers still have some holes in the secondary, which they could look to address in the first round of the NFL Draft this year.
Pro Football Focus released a mock draft and lined up the Steelers to take Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean.
The Steelers have major needs in their secondary. Some argue the bigger need is safety, while others would say cornerback. The best part about drafting DeJean is that he could be a starter at either. He is one of the more natural athletes in the class and has the size (6-foot-1 and 207 pounds), speed and overall coverage instincts to make an impact at both spots. He has an elite coverage grade, five interceptions and six forced incompletions over the past two years.
While the Steelers may want to address other needs considering they just spent a high pick on a cornerback this past year, DeJean could bolster Pittsburgh’s secondary tremendously.
This year, DeJean has 41 tackles and two interceptions while playing for one of the league’s top defenses at Iowa. Perhaps he could bring his talents to Pittsburgh and form a dynamic duo with Porter Jr. for years to come.
Steelers Add LB For Packers Game
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have added to their roster, elevating inside linebacker Tariq Carpenter to the active/inactive list for Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers.
Near the end of the week, Carpenter told All Steelers that he was going to get the call-up for Week 10. The undrafted rookie out of Georgia Tech joined the Steelers in early September after being released by the Packers and is set to make his NFL debut against them.
The former safety turned linebacker has been working with inside linebackers coach Aaron Curry and the veterans within the room like Elandon Roberts, Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb, to develop as quickly as he could.
“I’ve been preparing,” Carpenter said. “I’ve been here since the beginning of the season and coach [Aaron] Curry has been doing a great job of just trying to teach me the position, knowing that I’m new to it. I’ve been doing a real good job of picking things up, so I’ll be ready.”
With the loss of Holcomb, this could be an opportunity for Carpenter to show the team he’s worthy of a 53-man roster spot, and he’s looking forward to making the most of his opportunity.
“I get to put on that Steeler jersey and say that I’m a Steeler,” Carpenter said. “I just got to go out there and put everything on tape. Make sure I get to put it on again. Solidify myself.”
Carpenter could help the Steelers in passing down situations, but the team will likely utilize safety Keanu Neal at the position as well for added depth. Expect the rookie to play a role on special teams against the Packers.
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