Steelers Bolster Secondary With Speedy Georgia CB

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made the first addition to their secondary of the 2026 NFL Draft in the third round.

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Daylen Everette (6) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers added to their secondary with their second pick of the third round in the 2026 NFL Draft.

At No. 85 overall, Pittsburgh went with Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette, who stands at 6-foot-1 and one-fourth of an inch and 296 pounds.

Everette ran a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine to go with a 1.54-second 10-yard split.

He spent his entire collegiate career at Georgia, winning a national title as a true freshman during the 2022 season. Everette finished his time as a Bulldog with a total of 149 tackles, five interceptions and two forced fumbles.

The soon-to-be 22-year-old profiles as more of a boundary corner than a nickelback due to his size and length. Everette has the traits to eventually become a starter, but he needs some time to develop before reaching that level.

Patrick Graham Discusses Everette Pick

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham spoke with reporters after Pittsburgh took Everette and explained that the team is devoted to adding talented players without worrying too much about the fit before getting them in the building.

"We just want good football players," Graham said. "We try to put them in by position. But in general, defensive back, a good football player, someone that can tackle, someone that has some speed and explosiveness. We're trying to be an explosive unit out there on the field. So those are all traits that he has.

"And then having a football IQ when you talk ball to him. There's a level of intelligence there that is intriguing and knowing the system he came from, that makes it even more intriguing. Good football player, and like most of those guys, you've just got to play hard, earn the trust of the veterans and then we'll see how it plays out in September."

Graham also stated that Everette left a lasting impression when the Steelers met with him during their visit to Georgia for his pro day.

"I got to know him a little bit in terms of his personality when we went down there for the pro day, had a great dinner with him, great interaction," said Graham. "The seriousness he has about football. The focus he has as a young man. I was really impressed by that. And you could just tell there's some grit there about him and a willingness to get better. Really excited for him. Congratulations to his family and congratulations to him."

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