Hello guys,
Being that Cockrell has just signed a one year extension with the Steelers for 2016, this is how I project the corner lineup to look like.
RC-Cockrell
Slot-Gay
LC-Blake
#4-Golson
#5-Grant
Gay I don't have a problem being re-signed to man the slot. He was this year's best corner and I also think his leadership will be needed for at least one more year.
Blake is an absolute shoe in to re-sign. He has team immunity and absolutely no other team in their right mind will think of taking a look at him.
Boykin- No chance! He was the first at the fascility to clean out his locker. Unfortunately I see him going to New England.
Golson is self explanatory. High draft pick that we have to see what he has.
Grant was here last year which will make him safe and of course Cortez will be gone.
As we all know the Steelers have always treated the corner position as the black sheep of the defense. They have always went with corners that have been here the previous season with a next man up mentality and that won't change this year.
I would actually go after Janoris Jenkins or Trumaine Johnson from the Rams in free agency. I would re-sign Gay, let Blake walk and have Golson and Grant for depth.
Unfortunately our whiffing on the OLB position has put us in a bind. Even if Jarvis turns things around this year, we still don't know if Harrison and Moats will return which will leave us no depth behind Jarvis and Dupree. I would draft the best available OLB in RD.1 I would also consider trying V. Williams @ OLB depending on the status of Moats and Harrison.
I would go with a SS with my next pick. I think Golden can do well in that spot but we need a stud SS to learn the system and compete with Golden for the starting spot as we have no depth.
I would then double dip with DE's for my 3rd and 4th picks. I think a 3rd pick for DE is a good enough high pick to give us production and the 4th pick for depth.
We need depth there to give Hayward and Tuitt a breather. I wiuld then go safety again for my 5th pick.