10. Steven Nelson, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are known historically as a franchise that likes to develop its talent through the draft. So it’s interesting that so many pieces of a secondary that has become a much-needed strength have come through either free agency or the trade route. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, cornerback Joe Haden, and Nelson are all from other teams, and Nelson proved to be an especially astute pickup when Pittsburgh signed him to a three-year, $25.5 million contract before the 2019 season. Last year, he allowed just 34 receptions on 69 targets for 468 yards, 110 yards after the catch, one touchdown, one interception, and an opponent passer rating of 73.3.
Nelson isn’t the biggest guy at five-foot-11 and 194 pounds, but he uses quickness, as well as excellent technique, to match up with and succeed against bigger receivers who would seem to be able to take him out in a physical sense. Nelson was specifically one of the league’s best cornerbacks in man coverage, but the scheme didn’t really matter in 2019 — he was outstanding no matter what the schematic circumstances were.
Steven Nelson is giving up five inches in height and 35 pounds in weight to D.K. Metcalf here. But if you can beat physicality off the line, establish inside position, and go for the ball, that don't matter. Outstanding technique. pic.twitter.com/paKGvpEGl7
— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 13, 2020