The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a successful few years of drafting, with their most recent draft class being highly touted before any selections even step on a professional field for a regular season game. Pittsburgh is relying on a lot of young players in key positions on both sides of the ball, which could be a dangerous game. So far, the rookies seem up to the test, as does 2023 selection Cory Trice Jr. who missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury.
Pittsburgh doesn't have a lot of depth at the cornerback position behind their two starters Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. Assuming no external additions will be made at the position, it seems as though Trice has locked down the role as the team's third corner and primary backup to Porter and Jackson.
He was a very anticipated rookie ahead of the 2023 season, who went down with a torn ACL in training camp before Pittsburgh's first preseason game in 2023. NFL analyst Louis Riddick spoke about finally being able to see Trice on the field during the Steelers loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Steelers selected Trice in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he slid down draft boards considerably due to injury concerns. Pittsburgh dealt with that first hand when he missed his entire rookie season, but he has finally been able to make his much-anticipated debut ahead of the 2024 regular season.
Before even stepping foot on an NFL field Trice was being labeled as a steal for Pittsburgh. It was kind of similar to how the hype is building around Payton Wilson, who also slid down draft boards due to injury concerns. Trice wasn't quite on the same level as Wilson as a prospect, but he still brought some excitement to what could be at the cornerback position.
Trice fits the mold the Steelers were looking for at corner, which the organization showed by drafting both Porter and Trice. They are both tall, physical, and extremely athletic players for their position. Fans will finally get a glimpse at what the two can do when they are on the field at the same time.
The second-year cornerback has made some strides during his first two preseason games. He has recorded a Pro Football Focus grade of just above 75, allowed two receptions that averaged just two yards. He also made an impressive tackle behind the line of scrimmage against the Houston Texans. Trice has performed well in games, and he even made a lot of noise during the Steelers joint practice with the Bills. He should be a major contributor for Pittsburgh's defense in 2024, even without being in a starting role.
Steelers Could Certainly Still Look For Help At Cornerback
Pittsburgh is relying on a lot of young and inexperienced guys behind Porter and Jackson. Trice has never played in an actual NFL game, and Darius Rush has limited experience. In the slot, all signs point to the Steelers starting undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. There is a lot of question marks at the cornerback position as the 2024 season is quickly approaching, which could lead Pittsburgh to look outside the organization.
The Steelers will also have Cameron Sutton returning once his eight-game suspension is finished. He has experience in the slot and on the outside, but that is a long time to wait if things don't go well early on in the season. There are still some available options on the market, with Patrick Peterson being a name to watch for a potential reunion with the organization.
What do you expect from Trice in 2024? Should the Steelers look for help at corner?
