Steelers Slot Cornerback Shows Promise at Training Camp

 The Steelers are having an open competition at slot cornerback, but the leader in the clubhouse is veteran cornerback Chandon Sullivan. Up to Wednesday, Sullivan had an average at best training camp, but with guys getting into a new scheme, it can take some time to acclimate. On Wednesday, he showcased some of the potential that he could bring to the table if he wins that starting slot cornerback job.

Sullivan had one of the best days I’ve seen him have, spring or summer. The Steelers training camp slot cornerback battle is one where no one has really grasped it by the horns, but this was Sullivan’s best day. He made a great diving pass breakup in coverage against Allen Robinson II. I think he had a few more in the 3-on-3 drills. This is a day he needs to stack on.

Sullivan did not have flashy stats. In fact, some of his stats are worrisome from a year ago. Guys such as Elijah Riley and Duke Dawson are competing in there with him for the job, though some of the guys have different flavors to how they approach the position, with Riley being a guy who can come downhill and play the run well.

This is one position where the team could look at external options, but they hope Sullivan can prove to be a guy they can really trust at this spot. He was part of the veteran nucleus that they put together in the secondary to maintain a level of expectation that they expect out of the unit in 2023. To this point, Sullivan’s contributions have been up and down and his eye discipline is shaky. However, he does bring good ball skills to the table and did a great job against Robinson on Wednesday.