Ask Pittsburgh Steelers fans to list the cornerbacks on the current roster, and it would probably look something like this:
Artie Burns
Joe Haden
Mike Hilton
Cameron Sutton
They would then stop listing players and go on about how the team can’t stop the run and exactly why the defense is the reason the team doesn’t have more than six Super Bowl victories.
Nonetheless, there is a name which isn’t on the above list, but probably should be. The name is Brian Allen.
Allen is entering his second year as a cornerback on the team, but more importantly only his fourth year as a defender. In college he was recruited as a wide receiver before transitioning to the defensive side of the football. When you look at his physical traits, he has the size and speed which is a rare combination in a cornerback, and is learning how to use his size to his advantage.
Allen is more than just another body at cornerback; he could be a “sleeper” player for the Steelers in 2018. No, he may not see the field a ridiculous amount of time on defense, but not only will he likely be a standout on special teams, he is certainly a player to watch in the future.
Every day, every practice, Allen is improving, and he is destined to get on the football field. While some may think he doesn’t even deserve a spot on the 53-man roster, there is a reason the Steelers kept him on the roster last year as a rookie. The team clearly likes what they have in Allen, and although he may be nothing more than depth in 2018, his future could be very bright.
So, the next time you are asked to list the Steelers’ cornerbacks, don’t forget Brian Allen on your list...
Check out the video below where Allen talks about his preparation, his maturation as a defender and adjusting to a new secondary coach.
Brian Allen talks about the specific things he is working on to elevate his performance this offseason. pic.twitter.com/rJxg8VvKzD
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 5, 2018