The Pittsburgh Steelers sort of remind me of the movie "Man of Steel." The film was successful, grossing more than $668 million worldwide. Yet many critics argued that it's plot was flawed and its characters flat. Similarly, no Steelers fan is unhappy with the team's 11-5 season last year. But that doesn't mean there aren't problems on the roster.
The Steelers finished the 2014 season ranked 27th in passing defense, allowing 253.1 yards per game. Overall, Pittsburgh ranked 20th in opposing completion percentage (64.5) and 28th in passing touchdowns allowed (30). Upgrading the secondary was a major priority for the Steelers heading into the offseason and some fans are upset that the team didn't address the position in free agency.
"I hear you, but signing a cornerback just to sign one isn't going to solve issues at the position," ESPN Steelers reporter Scott Brown wrote in response to a fan's criticism of Pittsburgh's lack of action. "The Steelers simply weren't willing to overpay for one of the better cornerbacks in free agency because prices at that position are always inflated - and were especially so this year, given the dearth of quality players available on the open market. I was a little surprised the Steelers let Brice McCain get away, as he only signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. But I'm thinking that the Steelers believe they have the same player in Antwon Blake, who will only cost them $1.542 million this season, as they had in McCain. The Steelers are counting on Cortez Allen bouncing back and fulfilling the promise that compelled the team to sign the fifth-year veteran to a four-year, $24.6 million contract last September. The Steelers' plan is clearly to get Allen right after a disastrous 2014 season and add young talent at cornerback through the draft. Is it risky? Of course. But I don't think anything in free agency, other than Darrelle Revis giving the Steelers a huge hometown discount, would have really addressed the issues the Steelers have at cornerback. It isn't something that is going to be fixed overnight, which is why there is a need to draft two cornerbacks this year."
Which cornerbacks might the Steelers be interested in? How about Florida State's Ronald Darby?
"Darby has excellent speed, comes from a pedigreed program and has another attribute that could draw the Steelers to him," Brown wrote. "Darby played just three seasons at Florida State before declaring for the draft and only turned 21 in January. The Steelers have a recent history of taking third-year juniors high in the draft because of their upside."
