Steelers Already Making Changes at Cornerback

The Pittsburgh Steelers are testing a new look at cornerback.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are already making changes to their cornerback rotation, with second-round pick Joey Porter Jr. taking first-team reps while Patrick Peterson begins moving around the defense. 

Peterson spoke after the team's latest OTAs practice and said Porter has been impressive with the elevated reps he's received from the team. After just two weeks, the Steelers are testing the group to see if the rookie belongs with Levi Wallace on the outside against the starters. 

"We’re already seeing a lot of him," Peterson said. "He’s working with ones, twos, and threes. That guy is getting all the looks that he needs to make sure that he’s prepared when his number is called. But you can expect to see him on the field early and quite often."

As for Peterson's role, when Porter takes first-team reps, he's bouncing inside to the slot, working the idea that he'll be moved around the field this season. 

"I’ve moved around a little bit throughout practice,” Peterson said. "So we dibble and dab with the idea. I’m loving it so far, but we’re just going to see so far how coach wants to take it."

The 32-year-old vet already feels comfortable inside and believes the move actually helps him elongate his efforts on the field. Something the Steelers will try to do with a cornerback room that appears to be deep. 

"Honestly, to me, I feel like the inside guy is the most protected," Peterson said. "Because you’re closer to the linebacker, you’ve got a middle field safety. So you’re basically just playing to your leverage and funneling the receiver to where you’re not covering.

"For the most part, just understand where your help is. So for me, it gives me the ability to play even slower than on the outside because, when you’re on the outside, it’s you, the numbers and the receiver.

"I’ve done that, for the most part of my career. Now, moving around and moving on the inside is just helping me play a little bit slower. I understand the game. I understand coverages. I understand schemes. Now, we’re just all about putting me there to see how successful I am."

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