Pittsburgh Steelers Shakur Brown could continue a trend at nickel

This offseason the Pittsburgh Steelers may have lost the most underrated piece of their defense in nickel cornerback Mike Hilton. After Hilton decided to leave town and sign with the Cinnicinatti Bengals, a spot has opened at his nickel corner position.

The Steelers did not address the position in the 2021 NFL Draft, although they did draft safety Tre Norwood who could be used in the slot he will more likely be used in deep coverage and run support. Even though they did not draft a corner they did sign Shakur Brown as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State who has the flexibility to play inside in the slot and play outside.

Shakur Brown has solid size standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 190 pounds with solid tools that can be developed over time. Brown is best in man coverage when he can get his hands into the opposing player’s jersey and play press. He showed some weakness in zone coverage, which needs improvement to play in the Pittsburgh Steelers defense but nonetheless has the tools to be effective in zone coverage at the next level.

Brown had a very good junior season last year with five interceptions and could make the roster to potentially develop into the starting nickel corner for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With solid ball skills and at least an average tackler, Shakur Brown’s versatility sets him up perfectly to be the next nickel corner for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even though Brown showed some weakness in zone coverage, the ability to be good in press and intermediate coverage could translate well to playing dominantly in the slot. Brown also has a lot of speed at the position and could be used well in outside and off-speed blitzes in Keith Butler’s defense.

Rookie minicamp started this past week meaning coaches and media got to see the new additions get some reps on the practice field. It was reported by Mark Kaboly on 937 The Fan that Shakur Brown got 100% of the reps in the slot. Many believe that James Pierre, also an undrafted free agent from last year’s class, seems to be the front runner for the nickel position. The other choice would have to be trusting Justin Layne to hold that spot outside and have Cam Sutton slide inside for he has experience at nickel.

Now with Shakur Brown being an undrafted free agent, many people question if he can be a day one starter. Well, this is a common trend for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Hilton started three seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers at nickel and was one of the best slot corners in the league.

The Steelers also had Antwon Blake start in the slot who was also an undrafted free agent. Regardless of their path, the Pittsburgh Steelers would feel comfortable starting an undrafted free agent if Shakur Brown shows he can hold his own in the slot.