CORNERBACKS

Let's put it this way, the Steelers finished first in the NFL in pass defense. The good news is that there is a starter left at each cornerback position on that defense. The bad news is that they lost one of their starters to free agency. A tricky way of saying that the Steelers actually lost one of their best cornerbacks to the Arizona Cardinals, Bryant McFadden. He and Deshea fought for the starting position for the first part of the season and McFadden finally took over and played extremely well. He definitely was one of the best players in the defensive backfield. He's made quite a few excellent and timely plays in his time with the Steelers. But, Bryant had an arm injury and a fifth rounder from Louisville was called on to step up and start in his place. William Gay took over for Bryant and played so well during the injury that after McFadden came back they alternated plays in order to take advantage of both players. Does that make me feel a little better about how they're going to deal with the loss of McFadden. Uh, yeah. The only thing McFadden has on Gay is a little experience and maybe a little more speed. But, since he arrived as a fifth round draft pick Gay has made plays and looked like an up and comer. That's the reason the Steelers felt a little more comfortable in letting McFadden go in free agency. They should pick up a supplemental draft pick for losing McFadden too. So, here's the rest of the story on the cornerbacks and how the depth chart looks.

There was a reason the Steelers maintained the number one passing defense in the NFL.
They had 2 quality cornerbacks and 2 quality safeties and above average depth behind.
It will be no surprise that the starting cornerbacks this year will be Ike Taylor and William Gay and Deshea Townsend will be the third cornerback. Deshea has been the glue that holds the cornerback group together for years. A few years back one NFL commentator stated that he was one of the best, if not the best, cover corner in the league. He's in his 12th year and still can hold his own against the other 2 starters, maybe just not every play. If either went down I'm sure he'd step right in with no dropoff. After the top 3 there's a bit of a dropoff in experience. The Steelers picked up Keiwan Ratliff as a free agent, he has the most years with the group and has played for a few other teams including the Bengals. The fact that they released him doesn't say much for his chances.

The others:
Anthony Madison, 4th, Alabama: Has been a great special teams player and may be looked at to step up and provide backup help at cornerback
Keanan Lewis, Rookie, Oregon State: 3rd round pick this year. Expect him to make the team simply because he was a 3rd rounder. Needs to show something in the preaseason though or he may be a third round casualty.
Joe Burnett, Rookie, Central Florida: There's been a buzz in training camp with this guy. Intercepted a pass in the first preseason game. Probably will make the team.
Keiwan Ratliff, 6th, Florida: Bengals Cast off, but they did bring him in. May be kept because of experience.
Roy Lewis, 2 Washington: Signed, released, and resigned several times to the practice squad last year. Expect more of the same this year. Did play last year on special teams in 1 or 2 games.

I expect to see Ike Taylor, William Gay, Deshea Townsend, Joe Burnett, Keanan Lewis, and Anthony Madison on the roster. Keiwan Ratliff has a chance but needs to show something in the preseason or he's gone. Roy Lewis will probably be on and off the Practice squad unless injuries get him on the roster.

Next: Safeties
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