Nov 11, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton (16) and defensive back Shaquan Loyal (6) react after Melton intercepts a pass from Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Deacon Hill (not pictured) during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2024 NFL Draft with numerous major gaps to fill. The majority of them are offensive players, including center, tackle, and wide receiver. Their one key defensive need is cornerback. Joey Porter Jr. has one cornerback slot nailed down, but Pittsburgh lacks depth at the position beyond him. While they are most likely to address the offensive line in the first round, Pittsburgh may choose to grab a cornerback with their first pick. If they opt to wait, here are some cornerbacks the Steelers may consider in the second round of the draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers Second Round Draft Targets: Cornerback
Max Melton – Rutgers
The Steelers visited Max Melton for a pre-draft visit on Monday, indicating their interest in the bright prospect. Melton is a talented cornerback who enjoyed a successful career at Rutgers. He also had a terrific performance in the Senior Bowl. While Melton can play both outside and in the slot, he is most likely best suited to begin his NFL career as a slot corner. The Steelers’ interest is likely due to the lack of a legitimate slot cornerback on their roster.
Melton has the physicality to be an effective slot cornerback. He is slightly undersized, which may prevent him from regularly lining up on the outside. But, given his versatility and experience, Melton will be able to play outside if necessary. He is an excellent tackler and provides decent run support, which is why teams will most likely choose him to play in the slot. Pittsburgh has not had a good slot cornerback since losing Mike Hilton to the Cincinnati Bengals. Melton should not be compared to Hilton just yet, but his comparable style of play has put him on the Steelers’ radar heading into the draft.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. – Missouri
A redshirt junior out of Missouri, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is another versatile cornerback who has met with the Steelers. While Melton can play inside or outside but is probably better suited in the slot, Rakestraw is equally strong in either alignment. This versatility is likely a main reason for Pittsburgh’s interest. This year, they are mostly in need of a slot cornerback. Looking to the future, they need an outside cornerback to play opposite of Porter. Rakestraw could fill the short-term need in the slot, while still getting some snaps outside, then move to the boundary long-term.
In coverage, Rakestraw is stronger than Melton. He may not be quite as useful in run support, but he will still find success in that area, too. Rakestraw is very physical, sometimes too physical; he committed too many penalties in college. With good coaching, Pittsburgh should be able to get that out of his system. He wasn’t much of a ballhawk at the collegiate level but his physicality, versatility, and decent athleticism make him a second-round option for the Steelers to draft.
Mike Sainristil – Michigan
Mike Sainristil, unlike the previous two players, does not emphasize adaptability as a selling point. He only plays as a slot cornerback. That may push Sainristil down some teams’ selection lists, but it shouldn’t. With the NFL becoming more of a passing game, nickel cornerback has effectively become a full-time role. A good slot cornerback is far more valuable today than it was a decade ago. When it comes to slot-exclusive corners, Sainristil is one of the strongest cornerbacks in this draft class.
