Even after the NFL Combine, what the Steelers end up addressing is anyone’s best guess. But cornerback has to be one of the positions that is up there. And while Quinyon Mitchell may have boosted himself out of their range, other potential options exist.
In a new mock draft by Charles McDonald and Nate Tice, the Steelers land the most unexpected option, Alabama’s Terrion Arnold. Arnold was a popular choice in January, but he steadily rose and consolidated his spot as one of the top two cornerbacks. But Davis thinks he could be there for the Steelers.
“Offensive line could be addressed here, and it’s a priority in Pittsburgh, but the idea of pairing Arnold with Joey Porter Jr. is an exciting proposition. Two physical and smart corners on either side of the ball could make life hell for wide receivers on the outside, plus Arnold has some slot ability that could make for some fun defensive looks with Minkah Fitzpatrick roaming the middle,” they wrote.
In 2022, Arnold made the switch to cornerback, earning playing time while starting to establish himself as a key piece on Nick Saban’s defense. But in 2023, he blew all expectations out of the water. When the greatest college coach of all time starts putting more responsibility in a particular defensive back, asking him to play inside and out, you know that he’s the real deal. When Arnold speaks, you can tell that he oozes confidence in his ability to thrive in whatever role he’s needed in.
Arnold has a legit claim to be the best player of the talented cornerback group. On Wednesday, he confirmed that he met with the Steelers, who were among one of the 25 formal meetings that he has scheduled in Indianapolis.