Did the Pittsburgh Steelers enhance their protection by buying and selling Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey? I are likely to suppose it’s a small enchancment, nevertheless it leaves some large questions in regards to the security place. Juan Thornhill is the beginning free security by default proper now. However is that the perfect function for him?
The Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo doesn’t appear offered on Thornhill being the full-time starter.
“Discuss query marks on protection, do we all know proper now that Juan Thornhill can step in and be a starter? I don’t know the reply to that query,” Fittipaldo mentioned Friday through 93.7 The Fan’s Pomp and Joe Present. “I do know he had some good years with Kansas Metropolis and there’s a whole lot of speak that his play dropped off in Cleveland. I actually don’t know what he’s gonna carry to the desk. So I feel security could possibly be one thing that they’re gonna have to handle sooner or later earlier than September.”
Even when they suppose Thornhill is able to being the beginning free security for 17 video games, what occurs within the occasion of an harm to DeShon Elliott or Thornhill? I doubt the Steelers are desirous about re-living the 2023 season once they had a revolving door at security resulting from accidents and suspensions.
Jalen Ramsey would most likely be the highest candidate to play free security within the occasion of an harm and issues get actually murky if Elliott goes down. One in every of both Quindell Johnson or Sebastian Castro (assuming they make the roster) could be the subsequent man up at robust security.
Thornhill final began a full season in 2022 for the Chiefs and was truly enjoying in additional of a powerful security function that season. He matches a lot better as a No. 3 security as the highest backup at each robust and free security with functionality to maneuver to the slot in sure packages.
Fitzpatrick’s lack of splash performs drew a whole lot of criticism, however I’m afraid the Steelers would possibly learn how priceless his presence was in the event that they plan to start out Thornhill the whole season. Luckily, there are some first rate choices in the marketplace, together with former All-Professional FS Justin Simmons.
Simmons lately informed The Denver Put up that he’s being “choosy” about his subsequent staff and his prime precedence goes to a contender. Whether or not or not he views Pittsburgh as a contender is anyone’s guess, however he would go a great distance towards solidifying the protection at nearly each place. The Steelers could be higher off with Thornhill in a No. 3 function than as their beginning free security.
