Steelers fans finally got what they wanted: a cornerback.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted a cornerback in the first two rounds for the first time since 2005 when they drafted Ole Miss' Senquez Golson in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft, Friday evening. The addition of Golson is much needed in a barren defensive back group that finished ranked 27th in the league in passing in 2014.
Golson joins a group filled with question marks.
12-year NFL veteran Ike Taylor announced his retirement earlier in the offseason, decreasing the number of experienced defensive backs on the Steelers roster. While his leadership will be missed, Taylor was no doubt on his last legs and didn't play to the level that allowed him to shadow opposing No. 1 receivers.
The numbers are far from in the Pittsburgh Steelers favor.
Before the addition of Golson, the black-and-gold had four corners on their roster. Leading this group is William Gay who is headed into his ninth year in the NFL. He took a year hiatus from the Steelers to play for the Arizona Cardinals in 2012 but since then, he's shown he is arguably their best corner on the team.
Gay snagged three interceptions in 2014 and ran each one into the end zone. He has shown he can play on the outside where he will most likely continue to play in 2015 since the Steelers only have one other player currently on the roster who really can play outside: Cortez Allen.
Yet, Allen, at 6'1, is anything but reliable for a Steelers secondary that desperately needs corners.
The Steelers benched Allen in 2014 after he received a long-term contract extension right before the season. Allen appeared to have lost his confidence, which is something the Steelers hope he can find again if they are to have any hope of finding success on the back end of the defense.
Antwon Blake returns to the Steelers after an encouraging 2014 campaign. He played exclusively on special teams in 2013 but received more and more snaps as the Steelers lost players to injury at cornerback. Allen's benching also provided Blake with an opportunity to see the field more. The former Jacksonville Jaguar made his biggest impact when he forced Cincinnati Bengals receiver AJ Green to fumble in the regular season final. Blake brings an adequate amount of experience in 2015, but is considered limited because of his height (5'9).
Also in the defensive backfield are cornerback's B.W. Webb and Kevin Fogg. Webb saw time as a special teamer and a select amount of snaps on defense while Fogg was only on the practice squad. Both players provide special teams experience but likely won't play large roles in 2015 unless injury occurs.
Yes, the pick of Golson improves the depth of the Steelers' cornerback group. But, the backfield still has a group of unknown commodities and lack of experience, which doesn't bode well for a team that faces Patriots quarterback Tom Brady Week One.