Reintroducing a sequence highlighting coaching camp battles at particular positions on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, as two gamers compete for the ultimate roster spot on the depth chart. In the present day, we study the cornerback room, particularly the battle of James Pierre, Brandin Echols, and Donte Kent for the ultimate spot on the depth chart.
Two Canine, One Bone – Inside Linebacker
Following the blockbuster commerce that despatched S Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in alternate for CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ CB room appears to be like fairly packed. Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Beanie Bishop Jr., and Cory Trice Jr. are all doubtless locks to make the crew.
After these 5, there doubtless is room for another cornerback on the depth chart. That spot is up for grabs with James Pierre, Brandin Echols, and Donte Kent all jostling for place to make the crew in a reserve/particular groups position at the very least to start out the 2025 season.
Once you take a look at Donte Kent, the Steelers chosen the rookie out of Central Michigan with their final decide within the seventh spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft. GM Omar Khan talked about that they count on Kent to see the sector “earlier than later” after the choice, highlighting his play each on protection and particular groups. Kent starred as a punt returner and gunner in school and set the Central Michigan college document for go deflections with 47.
Nonetheless, Kent allowed loads of splash performs throughout his profession, being a feast-or-famine defensive again. His doubtless position on the roster can be as a gunner on particular groups and competing for the beginning punt return job in coaching camp.
With each WR Calvin Austin III and RB Kenneth Gainwell having in depth expertise in that position throughout their respective NFL careers, Kent could also be higher fitted to the apply squad to start out his profession as he continues to develop as a defender on the NFL degree.
The Steelers signed Brandin Echols this offseason after he spent his first 4 seasons with the New York Jets. In his NFL profession, he began 19 of 57 video games and had 16 go deflections, 5 interceptions, and two pick-sixes. Nonetheless, Echols is healthier fitted to being a depth piece known as upon in case of damage, having been picked on by the likes of George Pickens final 12 months in Pittsburgh’s matchup.
Echols primarily performed exterior nook throughout offseason actions, making it onerous for him to count on to see taking part in time with Ramsey, Porter, Slay, and Trice all forward of him. He has some expertise taking part in within the slot, and we will count on Ramsey to see loads of snaps within the slot this coming season in Pittsburgh. Echols should make this roster by way of particular groups, of which he’s performed 707 snaps there over the previous 4 seasons.
Echols might want to show that he’s a greater special-teams ace than Kent or Pierre to safe a roster spot. On condition that Pittsburgh signed Echols to a two-year deal with $1.83 million in ensures, they might face some penalty in the event that they reduce him. Nonetheless, that quantity is comparatively low ought to he be outplayed by his competitors this summer time.
Pierre signed an inexpensive one-year cope with Pittsburgh, that means that Pittsburgh might half methods with him comparatively simply. Nonetheless, Pierre has confirmed to be a top quality particular teamer since making the crew again in 2020 and got here again to Pittsburgh after getting launched by the Washington Commanders previous to the beginning of the 2024 season. He has performed 1,191 special-teams snaps for Pittsburgh as a gifted gunner.
Pierre has stuffed in when crucial on protection and is a succesful depth choice, logging 11 go deflections, three interceptions, and 5 pressured fumbles on 933 profession defensive snaps. Alex Kozora wrote that Pierre is contained in the bubble due to his special-teams play, which is arguably higher thus far than Echols or Kent’s coming in as a rookie.
Coaching camp and the preseason will play an enormous position in deciding who will win the ultimate cornerback spot on the depth chart, however as we sit right here at present, Pierre doubtless has a leg up on Kent and Echols due to his familiarity with the system and his utilization on particular groups.
