Now that cornerback Keenan Lewis has moved on to the New Orleans Saints via free agency, it is easy to pin down what the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary will look like in 2013.
Cortez Allen, who had two interceptions and three forced fumbles last season, will start opposite Ike Taylor. The Citadel product has progressed very nicely and his conditioning should be top notch being as he works out in the off-season with Taylor down in Florida under the guidance of renowned trainer Tom Shaw.
When the Steelers go into their nickel, it will be William Gay, who is guaranteed to be on the 53 man roster, that will take the field as the third cornerback. Now that we know Lewis was not offered a deal, we can see exactly why Gay was signed so quickly following his release from the Arizona Cardinals. Will Gay play inside or outside when he comes in for the nickel? That remains to be seen as Allen certainly worked good in the slot last season. Gay has played both inside and outside, but I think in the long run they will want the size of Allen on the outside.
The dime back position figures to be up in the air right now. Last year that is when Curtis Brown saw the field, but his roster spot is anything but safe right now. Brown, DeMarcus Van Dyke, Josh Victorian and Justin King will all battle for the fourth and fifth cornerback spots on the roster.
Even though Lewis wasn\’t offered a contract, the Steelers appear to be set with their depth and I doubt they will even draft a cornerback in April. If they do, it figures to be on day three.
