The monumental commerce that came about earlier this week sending S Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins for CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith rocked the NFL world and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ secondary. The addition to the cornerback room provides them a formidable “Huge 3” with Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay all being completed starters in their very own proper who can lock down the perimeter.
Nevertheless, the commerce of Fitzpatrick opens a giant gap at security with Juan Thornhill the doubtless notable title to step in his place instantly after the commerce. Steelers’ reporter Mark Kaboly stated that Ramsey might contribute at security and within the nickel whereas additionally seeing taking part in time on the skin, however he isn’t more likely to be Pittsburgh’s 1-for-1 substitute for Fitzpatrick at security.
As Alex Kozora talked about in his piece instantly after the blockbuster commerce occurred, S Juan Thornhill is a transparent winner whereas CB Beanie Bishop Jr. is a transparent loser from this deal. Thornhill steps right into a perceived beginning function as talked about above. On the very minimal, he’ll see a rise in sub package deal snaps. Kaboly additionally talked about that Thornhill had a powerful OTAs and minicamp, noticeably trying higher than former Steelers security Damontae Kazee, who served as Pittsburgh’s third security throughout the previous couple of seasons. Pittsburgh might nonetheless exit and purchase a Justin Simmons to fill Fitzpatrick’s function as a beginning free security, however Thornhill is about up properly heading into coaching camp.
Bishop appears to be like to have misplaced a beginning spot within the nickel, as Ramsey or Slay will doubtless contribute extra there than the previous 2024 UDFA who had a powerful rookie season the place he picked off 4 passes, however is trying to be relegated to extra of a dime defensive function in 2025.
Cory Trice Jr. finds himself in an uphill battle to see extra taking part in time, because the third-year nook is now Pittsburgh’s fourth outdoors nook on the depth chart. He might have an opportunity at snaps if considered one of Ramsey or Slay play some security, however with Bishop a extra pure match inside on sub packages and Ramsey an identical physique sort that may match up with larger slots and tight ends, Trice could also be relegated to extra of a depth function relying on what Pittsburgh’s plan is at security.
For the remainder of the cornerback depth chart, the chance to contribute significant snaps on protection is restricted, at finest. James Pierre might make the staff as a core particular teamer, whereas free agent signing Brandin Echols might get pushed off the roster altogether except he can show to be a invaluable particular teamer and beat out Pierre as Pittsburgh’s sixth cornerback on the depth chart. For the likes of rookie Donte Kent, his odds of creating the roster seem much more slim, together with his solely doubtless shot coming by successful the beginning punt returner job.
At security, issues noticeably open up for Pittsburgh’s depth choices. Miles Killebrew stays a near-lock to make the roster as a particular groups ace, whereas UDFA Sebastian Castro’s odds improve, being a highly-touted prospect who fell out of the draft attributable to measurement and pace considerations. Nonetheless, Castro is a cerebral and bodily defender who has expertise taking part in within the slot, close to the road of scrimmage, and deep in protection. He must compete with the likes of Quindell Johnson, however Castro’s possibilities of making the roster are higher now than they had been every week in the past.
Pittsburgh might have a transfer or two left to shake up this secondary much more, and none of us could be shocked at this level after buying and selling a participant like Fitzpatrick. Nonetheless, as issues sit right here at the moment, the safeties look to have extra alternatives for an elevated function, whereas the corners are more likely to really feel the squeeze as Pittsburgh now possesses as formidable of a trio as you’ll see within the league.
