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Is Cameron Sutton due for a defensive promotion?

Breaking down every player one-by-one alphabetically on the Steelers current 90-man roster

Pittsburgh Steelers v Carolina Panthers Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Continuing with part 76 of our 90ish-part series — assuming the roster does not change before we are complete — which will break down each player of the Steelers current 90-man (now 80-,man) roster in alphabetical order. This series will encompass many aspects of each players game and their current role with the team. At the end, I’ll give some projected stats as well as their chances to make the 53-man roster.

Let’s break down the Steelers top back up defensive back:

Cameron Sutton

Position: CB/S
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 188 lbs
College: Tennessee
Draft: 3rd round, 94th overall In 2017


2019 Stats

16 Games played
16 Tackles
1 Interception
1 Sack
2 Tackles for loss
5 Passes defended


Contract remaining

Expires in 2021
$1,009,032 salary cap number (.5% of total cap)
$184,032 Dead money
$825,000 Savings if cut


Likelihood of making the roster

Lock. Cameron Sutton isn't competing for a roster spot in 2020, he's competing for an increased role and a second contract. In his first three seasons in Pittsburgh, Sutton has developed into a solid all-around defensive back and the Steelers have used him at nearly every one of those positions. He shined in coverage last year, and he even made an impact stepping into the run game.

The Steelers will probably have to decide between Mike Hilton and Sutton when it comes to who will get their contract extended past this season. They likely won't be able to afford both players, so expect the position battle to rage on all season long.


2020 projection

I’m in the camp that believes Cameron Sutton will end up with the starting nickel job, and earning himself a second deal in Pittsburgh. His coverage skills are outstanding, and he’s no slouch in the run game. This isn't a knock to Mike Hilton either, I just think Sutton is developing into an every-down player and has more upside than Hilton at this point in his career.

I expect a big jump in both playing time and stats for the Tennessee alum.


Projected stats:

16 Games played
48 Tackles
2 Interceptions
.5 Sack
2 Tackles for loss
9 Passes defended


Summary

The Steelers 2017 draft class has been one of its best in recent franchise history. The Steelers selected the All-Pro T.J. Watt, Pro Bowlers JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner, and they also have Cameron Sutton who looks to become the fourth impact starter from that one class alone.

Sutton projects to make a big name for himself in 2020 because even if he isn't a full time starter at the nickel spot, he will still be the top back up at corner and safety while contributing in dime packages. Expect big things for the fourth-year pro.


Previously Highlighted

Ola Adeniyi
Marcus Allen
Tyson Alualu
Trajan Bandy
Zach Banner
J.T. Barrett -Cut
John Battle
Jordan Berry
Saeed Blacknall
Breon Borders
Chris Boswell
Antoine Brooks Jr.
Isaiah Buggs
Devin Bush
Deon Cain
Kam Canaday
Chase Claypool
Josiah Coatney -Cut
James Conner
Anthony Coyle
Jordan Dangerfield
Amara Darboh
Carlos Davis
David DeCastro
Christian DiLauro
Kevin Dotson
Bud Dupree
Eric Ebron
Terrell Edmunds
Trey Edmunds
Matt Feiler
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Zach Gentry
Ulysees Gilbert III
Derwin Gray
Joe Haden
J.C. Hassenauer
Quadree Henderson -Cut
Dewayne Hendrix -Cut
Cam Heyward
Alex Highsmith
Mike Hilton
Devlin Hodges
John Houston -Cut
Anthony Johnson
Diontae Johnson
Jarron Jones
John Keenoy
Tyree Kinnel -Cut
Christian Kuntz -Cut
Justin Layne
Leo Lewis
James Lockhart
Paxton Lynch
Dan McCullers
Vance McDonald
Anthony McFarland Jr.
Henry Mondeaux
Christian Montano -Cut
Alexander Myres
Steven Nelson
Spencer Nigh
Chuks Okorafor
James Pierre
Maurkice Pouncey
Kevin Rader
Dax Raymond
Ben Roethlisberger
Mason Rudolph
Jaylen Samuels
Tuzar Skipper
Wendall Smallwood
Juju Smith-Schuster
Benny Snell Jr.
Robert Spillane