Steelers News: How Cameron Sutton’s unique, and versatile, skill set will help him in 2019

The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to the gridiron when they reported back to training camp. With practices underway, the news surrounding the black-and-gold is just starting to heat up. As the team prepares for the coming season, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until the season starts!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how Cameron Sutton’s unique skill set could help him see more playing time in 2019.

Let’s get to the news:

• The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team who might have the unique situation where they have a good number of quality defensive backs. Cameron Sutton could be a player who pushes someone like Mike Hilton, and others, for playing time in 2019.

Cameron Sutton shows off his versatility in Steelers’ secondary

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

In the slot. As the dime linebacker. At outside cornerback, strong safety or free.

If it’s in the secondary, Cameron Sutton has played it during his two full seasons plus one preseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Any position feels like home,” Sutton said before practice Wednesday at Saint Vincent.

Sutton has had plenty of homes, even during this training camp. The 2017 third-round pick has served as the first-team “dime” and the second-team nickel, and he’s been on outside corner with the third team.

Sutton played 49 of the Steelers’ 94 defensive snaps last week in their preseason victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started at outside corner and moved to nickel in the second half for the final two series he played.

“I thought he did some solid things,” coach Mike Tomlin said this week. “He’s done some solid things out here playing on the outside. I think just a description of his performance and contributions to this point at this point have been really solid. His versatility is really showing; he’s been above the line outside and inside, and I think that’s useful for him in terms of earning and establishing a role – and obviously useful for us”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a voice, and Alejandro Villanueva stepped up in a big way.

Alejandro Villanueva: Darryl Drake wouldn’t want Steelers to ‘dwell’ on his passing

By: Joe Rutter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

As the only player on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster to serve in the military, left tackle Alejandro Villanueva has experienced tragic loss, watching young boys in his platoon die while fighting overseas.

An Army Rangers who was deployed three times to Afghanistan, Villanueva was awarded a Bronze Star, among other commendations, for his service.

Villanueva is equipped with handling death perhaps more than any other player on the roster. Still, the unexpected loss of 62-year-old wide receivers coach Darryl Drake on Sunday brought back some unpleasant memories.

While many Steelers players, including most wide receivers, were still too emotional to talk about Drake’s passing Wednesday morning, Villanueva relied on his military experience and how it helped him process Drake’s death.

“You can’t compare the two,” Villanueva said. “In the Army, you prepare for these things to happen. You expect these things to happen. They definitely unify the group when the do happen. Maybe not for the right reasons, but they definitely have an impact on morale of the unit.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Steelers don’t plan on letting Darryl Drake’s death sink their season. Instead, they plan to march.

Steelers still grieving after loss of Darryl Drake, but “we intend to march”

By: Darin Gantt, ProFootballTalk

Training camp is supposed to be the time when teams sequester themselves in football, isolate themselves from every worldly distraction.

Reality intruded on the Steelers, and the sudden passing of wide receivers coach Darryl Drake changed everything for the team.

They returned to the practice field Tuesday for the first time, but it was a somber day, with players gathering for prayer, many with tears in their eyes, before they returned to work. As much as they might have wanted to focus on football, however, it wasn’t going to be easy. The young receivers Drake worked with may not have been their sharpest, often taking breaks and being consoled by teammates.

“We’re all devastated. I really can’t think of any other appropriate words,” Tomlin said, via Mark Kaboly of TheAthletic.com. “Our time and attention in recent days have been spent in support of the Drake family. Miss Sheila and Darryl’s daughters and extended family — many of us have had an opportunity to spend time with them through this. They’ve been amazing. In making arrangements and adjusting, we’ve tried to be as supportive organizationally to them as we can in what is a very difficult time.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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