The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot more depth entering the 2026 preseason than they usually do. At most positions, there are capable starters throughout the second-team units, and even the third-team units in a couple of cases. If this is truly going to be another "all-in" year while trying to recreate "The Last Dance," they need to be loaded. The talent is there; there is no question about that. Whether they can mesh or not is to be determined, but there is still time to get everyone on the right track.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers stands with Head Coach Mike McCarthy during training camp ahead of the 2026 season.
There's definitely been some progress with some of the newcomers, especially on defense. In a post-practice conversation with Gerry Dulac, cornerback Jamel Dean had very high praise for one of his new teammates: rookie cornerback Daylen Everette.
"[Daylen Everette] has all the tools to be one of the greatest corners when he gets his opportunity," Dean explained.
As a third-round pick in a stacked cornerback room, expectations for Everette are fairly low for his rookie season. Maybe he gets some garbage time reps here and there while working on special teams, but this year will be more about fine-tuning his mechanics and making sure he gets where he needs to be than seeing in-game production. That's the case with most of the incoming rookies anyway.
The physical traits are definitely there for Everette. He was given the second-highest athleticism score among cornerbacks in the 2026 draft process. As they always say, you can't teach that aspect of the game. He's one of the bigger corners in the NFL at 6'1" and 196 lbs while running a 4.38 40-yard dash. If he can develop properly, he is going to be a problem for opposing receivers.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Daylen Everette (23) celebrates a big play in practice with Jaquan Brisker (3).
Despite the fact that Everette likely won't see the field much in 2026, the Steelers have wasted no time challenging him. He has had a lot of one-on-one reps with wide receiver DK Metcalf, and he has held his own for the most part. The veteran receiver has been helping the rookie out as well, which is great to see. More battles between these two are expected throughout training camp. Iron sharpens iron.
Daylen Everette and DK Metcalf have had their battles so far. Everette said that Metcalf is taking him under his wing.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 1, 2026
"He’s someone I looked up to when I was in high school. For him to take me under his wing, I understand it from that side of the ball now."
Everette still has some time to go before he develops into a quality starting-caliber cornerback, but everything he's shown in training camp so far just reinforces what Dean said. He has the physicality, the drive, and the tools to become a truly elite defensive back someday. With plenty of coaching from this new staff and some game film to go off of, he should be breaking out within the next few years.
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As much as he gets hated on by the media, Joey Porter Jr. is still an elite cornerback that deserves to be paid like one. The lack of interceptions does not matter when he's allowing 24 yards per game like he did in 2025 while also not allowing any touchdowns. With him locking down every team's top receiver, quarterbacks will be looking to their other top option on the outside.
If Everette develops properly, he will be able to lock down these WR2s on a regular basis. There has also been some talk of Asante Samuel Jr. getting some reps in the slot, and he has looked great in training camp as well. If the rookie progresses well and Samuel balls out as a slot corner, opposing offenses are going to have to rely on running the ball to generate any sort of offense.
What do you think about Dean saying Everette could be one of the greatest cornerbacks ever? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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