Steelers Still Like Cory Trice Jr.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still high on their second-year cornerback.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cory Trice Jr. /

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to get the most out of second-year cornerback Cory Trice Jr., but for right now, they're keeping expectations tempered.

Trice was the Steelers' seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, adding his name to a class that already included Joey Porter Jr. (second round). He had some early excitement, making plays during mini camp and OTAs, but had his rookie year cut short with a torn ACL in training camp.

Now, the excitement is still there, but it's limited. Trice has suffered two torn ACL and an ankle fracture during his college and one-year NFL career. So, the Steelers are not guaranteeing anything. But if he's healthy, they do think he has plenty of upside.

According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo, the team is still very much high on Trice.

"I think they are intrigued by him, but by no means are they counting on him," Fittipaldo said on 93.7 The Fan. "When they drafted him, they knew the injury history. That’s why he was a guy, he was a Day 2 type of talent, but the injuries were such that you could never take him early that early in the draft. So if he comes back and he’s playing really well, then great, you have another depth corner, but they cannot go into this draft counting on Cory Trice to contend for a starting job when he’s coming off that bad injury."

Trice could compete for a top backup spot on the team's depth chart this season. Pittsburgh has done plenty of scouting within the NFL Draft class, and it wouldn't be surprising if they took a top cornerback with their first-round pick.

That wouldn't hinder the expectations of Trice. He'd still get an opportunity to compete and earn a place within the defense, and Pittsburgh is likely hoping that he's capable of being a piece to the rotation for years to come.

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