Steelers All 91: CB Justin Layne
All 91 is a Pittsburgh Steelers Now series profiling each of the 91 members of the Steelers 2019 training camp roster.
31 • Justin Layne, rookie cornerback
Last year: Was a starting cornerback for the second straight season at Michigan State after starting out as a wide receiver with the Spartans. Left for the NFL after his junior year and was drafted in the third round by the Steelers.
Stats: Made 72 tackles — fifth on Michigan State — and had a team-high 15 passes defended. Also made one interception and had 2 1/2 tackles for a loss and one-half sack.
Accolades, Highlights:
Was selected first-team all Big Ten in 2018.
Camp outlook: As a young draftee, Layne has a lot of work to do both when it comes to getting his body NFL ready and picking up the Steelers’ complicated defense after mostly working isolated in man-to-man coverage at Michigan State.
Projected role: Is likely guaranteed a roster spot thanks to his draft status, but will have to prove something to get a helmet regularly as an outside corner behind Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Artie Burns and Brian Allen.
Coverage links: