Steelers Daylen Everette Still Having A lot Of "Rookie Moments" On Film

The Pittsburgh Steelers appear ready to make another significant adjustment to their secondary, and rookie cornerback Daylen Everette could be the player most affected. Pittsburgh has relied on the young defender to help stabilize its defensive backfield, but the coaching staff may now be preparing to move in a different direction. Veteran cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Asante Samuel Jr. are expected to take over the starting responsibilities, potentially pushing Everette into a reduced defensive role. However, the reasoning behind that anticipated decision is more complicated than simply losing confidence in a rookie.

Everette has experienced the natural challenges that come with adjusting to NFL competition. He has shown encouraging flashes while also dealing with mistakes that opposing offenses can exploit. The Steelers recognize his potential, but developing a young cornerback requires balancing valuable game experience against the immediate need to win. That balance appears to be influencing how Pittsburgh plans to use him moving forward.

Steelers insider Nick Farabaugh recently discussed the team's cornerback situation during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan. Farabaugh believes Pittsburgh is preparing to start Dean and Samuel opposite one another, which would leave Everette on the bench defensively. He also explained why the rookie's performance has created a difficult evaluation for the coaching staff.

"Yeah, we will see Jamel Dean, I think, and we will see Asante Samuel start opposite him," Farabaugh said. "Daylen Everette will be going to the bench, I believe. They want him to play more on special teams, and that unit has been ailing. But on top of that, Daylen has done a good job of stepping in, but the numbers aren't as good as the tape is. I think he's still seeing a lot of rookie moments there."

Farabaugh's assessment presents an interesting situation for Pittsburgh. Everette has apparently performed better on film than his statistical production might suggest, which indicates there are encouraging aspects of his development. Nevertheless, the rookie mistakes remain noticeable enough to influence his potential role. For a Steelers team trying to improve its defensive consistency, those growing pains can become costly.

One example Farabaugh highlighted came during Pittsburgh's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Everette was beaten on a play, but Colts quarterback Daniel Jones underthrew the intended receiver and failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Although Everette recovered well, the initial mistake demonstrated how quickly an inexperienced cornerback can find himself in trouble. Against a quarterback who delivers a more accurate pass, the result could have been considerably different.

That distinction matters when evaluating a young defensive back. A completed pass does not always mean the coverage was poor, just as an incompletion does not necessarily mean the defender executed his assignment correctly. 

Coaches must evaluate positioning, technique, recognition, and recovery ability rather than relying exclusively on statistics. Farabaugh's comments suggest Everette is still learning how to consistently put those elements together.

Steelers May Not Keep Daylen Everette On The Bench For Long

The expected move to Samuel and Dean should not necessarily be viewed as a permanent demotion for Everette. Farabaugh also expressed uncertainty about how much patience Pittsburgh would have with Samuel if the veteran struggles. That could leave the door open for Everette to regain meaningful defensive snaps sooner than anticipated. His development remains important, particularly if the Steelers encounter additional problems in their secondary.

If Samuel struggles with coverage responsibilities or fails to provide the consistency Pittsburgh wants, the coaching staff could reconsider its options. Everette would remain a familiar alternative with recent game experience.

There is also a special teams element to this situation that should not be overlooked. Farabaugh indicated that Pittsburgh wants Everette to contribute more heavily to a unit that has experienced difficulties. That responsibility could give the rookie another avenue to help the team while continuing to develop his defensive skills. 

Do you think the Pittsburgh Steelers are making the right decision by potentially moving Daylen Everette to the bench for Asante Samuel Jr.? Follow me on X @anthonyghalkias and share your thoughts with Steeler Nation.

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