During the NFL Combine, the Pittsburgh Steelers will research a variety of defensive backs, but two players stand out as their top picks in the 2024 NFL Draft class.
As cornerbacks prepare to play at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium, the Steelers are closely monitoring two possibilities. All Steelers has gathered that Pittsburgh is very interested in both players, who are regarded as first-round selections.
Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo and Cooper DeJean of Iowa are such prospects.
Mitchell surged to the top of the draft boards with his outstanding Senior Bowl performance, guaranteeing a spot in the first round of the NFL Draft. He is ranked as the Steelers’ “home run pick” at number 20, and if he falls to them, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network believes he may be their best prospect.
Mitchell had 123 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, 45 passes defensed, and two touchdowns in his four years as a player for Toledo.
Though DeJean isn’t getting any better as they head into the NFL Combine, he is still seen as a first-round choice. He will wait to work out for clubs closer to the draft instead of testing in Indianapolis due to a late-season leg ailment.
At Iowa’s Pro Day, the Steelers are probably going to be there, and DeJean may be one of the top 30 visits.
He totaled 120 tackles, five tackles for loss, seven interceptions, 13 passes defensed, and three touchdowns in his three seasons with the Hawkeyes.
The Steelers are hoping to get another young star to join Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback because of the talented draft class at that position. Although Patrick Peterson is still on the team, he may be shifted to safety this summer or be seen as a cap casualty. The two other cornerbacks on the roster are Cory Trice and Darius Rush, and neither one is sure to be involved in 2024.