Steelers’ Calvin Austin III Talks About Promising Camp Action From Underestimated CB: "Big Help To Our Defense"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made many changes during the offseason, including trading Dionate Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson. This trade sparked much debate among the fan base, who felt that it was a disproportionate swap, considering Johnson had been the Steelers' top wide receiver. 

After releasing Patrick Peterson following an underwhelming performance in 2023, the Steelers knew they needed help in the cornerback room. The fan base hoped the team might either sign a big-name free agent, or draft one, but they didn’t. This renewed concerns about Jackson’s ability to lockdown the side opposite Joey Porter Jr. 

However, Jackson has been a pleasant surprise during the first few weeks of camp. Lined up across from wide receiver George Pickens, Jackson has held his own. He was even labeled the “Winner of Day 1.” 

This is no surprise to teammate Calvin Austin III. Austin, for the Steelers, and Jackson, for the Panthers, were both 2023 recipients of the Ed Block Courage Award. The award is given to one player on each NFL team who displayed outstanding sportsmanship and courage during that season. Austin was asked about playing with a fellow speedster like Jackson and what he brings to the team. 

"He's a wily vet," explained Austin. "He's already brought leadership qualities. He's talking to other corners, but he's also talking to me about what he sees from me and my movement. We've been getting some good work in. He's a fast corner, and I'm a quick kind of guy, so it's good work going against someone that's fast as well. It's good work for him going against a guy my size with my quickness. He just brought great leadership, great athleticism, and having him out there is a big help to our defense."

As Head Coach Mike Tomlin always says, "Iron sharpens iron." We are seeing that unfold in camp as Austin and Jackson compete against each other in the various drills. Jackson shows that he may not have gotten the credit he deserves as he joined the Black and Gold. 

During his six seasons with the Panthers, he had three different defensive coordinators and an interim coordinator for half of 2022. Despite the turmoil, the Panthers still had two top-five scoring defenses during that span.  

While fans may not have been familiar with Jackson, the Steelers franchise certainly was. Tomlin was reportedly a big fan of Jackson's when he was drafted in 2018 out of LSU. Unfortunately for the team, the Panthers chose just ahead of Pittsburgh and managed to snag him in the second round. Pittsburgh ended up with James Washington instead. 

That wasn't the only time the Steel City sought to add Jackson to its roster. There are also reports that the Steelers tried to engineer a trade in 2022 that fell through. For his part, Jackson is thrilled to be with the Steelers. He said Pittsburgh feels like home and hopes to spend the rest of his career playing for them. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Downplaying Another Cornerback

The Steelers' cornerback room stock seems to be up compared to where many thought it would be heading into the season. While Porter was a given commodity, the talents of other players were a bit murky. This was especially true at the slot position. 

During the offseason, the Steelers grappled with who to place in the slot, and they decided to re-sign veteran cornerback Cam Sutton, a former Black and Gold team member, even though he was facing an eight-week suspension. While Sutton was allowed to participate in camp, the team knew they would need someone to step up and fill his cleats at least through Week 10. 

Enter undrafted rookie free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. Bishop has been wowing everyone at camp with his grit and determination, except maybe Tomlin. During his weekly press conference, Tomlin was asked about Bishop being listed as the number one nickelback on the depth chart. He admitted that Bishop worked hard, but implied that his ascension was merely a result of the situation, rather than his talent. 

What do you think about Jackson's performance so far? Click to comment below. 

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