On paper, the Pittsburgh Steelers didn\u2019t enter the draft with a screaming need at cornerback. Not even a whimper. Jamel Dean signed a good-money contract to start opposite Joey Porter Jr. Asante Samuel Jr. re-upped to stay. Brandin Echols remains after a strong first year in Pittsburgh and Jalen Ramsey wasn\u2019t cut, giving the team a versatile safety and cornerback.<\/p>\n
So why draft Daylen Everette in the third round? A top-100 pick is no small investment. Not just a depth or pure competition move. There\u2019s an expectation for him to, at some point, play significant snaps. What\u2019s the plan?<\/p>\n
A couple of reasons.<\/p>\n
Dean is going to start. No question. He\u2019s also likely going to miss time. In his previous seven NFL seasons, Dean has never played a full year<\/a>. There haven\u2019t been any major injuries, but small and nagging ones that cost him a handful of games. In 2025, he missed three games. In 2024, he sat out five. In 2022 and 2023, he missed a combined six of them.<\/p>\n Turning 30 before Halloween, it\u2019s doubtful Dean will begin holding up any better. Depth will be tested with someone else called into action. Everette might not be the first man up; that likely goes to Samuel. But if other injuries mount, a guy like Everette could be counted on. At the least, he has to be ready.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh might not need Everette now, but that equation could change one year from now. Samuel and Echols are on expiring contracts. Ramsey is likely in his final season. He\u2019ll be 33 mid-way through 2027 with a large salary<\/a>. And while it\u2019s assumed Joey Porter Jr. will receive a contract extension, no deal is done until it\u2019s done. Right now, he\u2019s a pending free agent next March, too.<\/p>\n