Patrick Peterson Signing Could Boost Steelers Desire to Draft CB

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers signed All-Pro Patrick Peterson to a two-year deal, as the future Hall of Famer plans to end his career in the Steel City, topping off an eight-time Pro Bowl run in the NFL.

While the Steelers have two more years with their newly-signed corner, it doesn't change the expectations they'll draft a cornerback as well. In fact, it might boost their odds of using their first-round pick on a defensive back, according to Pro Football Focus' Mike Florio.

During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Florio used last year's draft as an example to expect the Steelers to draft cornerback.

"Last year, they signed Mitch Trubisky. It didn't stop them from taking Kenny Pickett," Florio said.

"The draft is the draft, and sometimes, whether it’s planned or not when you address a position of need, it provides insurance that that player you may be eye-balling is there and you don’t get jumped," Florio continued. "If the need is too obvious, there’s a chance you get jumped for the guy you may be looking for in whatever round it is you’re looking for it."

The Steelers met with all the potential first-round cornerbacks at the NFL Draft, including a hometown name in Joey Porter Jr. Defensive back Brian Branch out of Alabama was also on their radar during formal meetings.

As of now, the Steelers have Peterson, Levi Wallace, Ahkello Witherspoon and Arthur Maulet under contract. Last year, they went into the season with five cornerbacks on the active roster.

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