The Pittsburgh Steelers had multiple weaknesses going into this offseason, including corner. While they signed Jamel Dean, they could still add at that position in the draft. They had several pre-draft visits with corners, including San Diego State’s Chris Johnson. The Steelers might have some bigger needs, but there’s a chance that they take a corner in the first round, and if they do, Johnson could be a candidate. Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah gave a positive answer for Johnson’s chances when asked if he thinks the corner could go in the first round.
“100-percent,” Jeremiah said recently on his 40s and Free Agents podcast. “You get to the last handful of picks when you’re going through the process, you’re like, ‘Okay, there’s fifteen guys that could go in here.’ And he’s really clean. So, if you’re picking towards the bottom of the first round, do you want to swing for the fences, or do you want to just take a really clean, you-know-exactly-what-you’re-getting player?”
Johnson spent four seasons playing football in college, all at San Diego State. He played in 47 games there with 23 starts and recorded 4 interceptions, 14 pass defenses, and 5 forced fumbles. Also, he only got called for four penalties. Steady is a great way to describe Johnson.
However, there might not be a place for Johnson to have an immediate impact on the Steelers’ defense. He’s spent most of his career at boundary corner, with little experience in the slot. Joey Porter Jr. and Dean have the starting outside jobs locked up, and that’s where they’re best at.
The Steelers are intent on being a playoff team this year, so they likely want their first-round pick to contribute relatively quickly. A rookie slot corner could see time on the field in Pittsburgh early. Johnson would likely have to sit behind Porter and Dean, though.
Would that make Johnson a bad Day-1 pick for the Steelers? No. There’s no telling what could actually happen during the season. Porter or Dean could miss time. That would leave the Steelers shorthanded at outside corner. In that scenario, Johnson would likely find himself in a bigger role. He and Porter could give the Steelers their long-term corner duo.
The Steelers have a lot of other needs, such as offensive line and wide receiver. It would be wiser to attack those positions with their first pick. However, there’s no telling how the board will break down. Johnson might be the best available player for the Steelers, and taking him could be better than reaching for a player at a different position.