With the Pittsburgh Steelers a little over a month away from reporting to Latrobe for training camp, we have started to get a look at the 2015 team during OTA’s, which began last week and will continue this week and next week.
Some guys have made it a point to stand out during these OTA’s and one guy in particular could have a say in how the Steelers secondary looks when they take the field for the season opener against the New England Patriots.
That guy is cornerback Antwon Blake.
With both William Gay and Cortez Allen returning and the fact that the team drafted a pair of corners in the draft in Senquez Golson and Doran Grant, Blake has almost been forgotten about in the eyes of many Steelers fans.
But by the look of things early on, Blake could play a major role in the Steelers defense.
The team ideally doesn’t want to have to play two rookie corners plus an inexperienced safety in Shamarko Thomas, so it makes sense that Blake, who came on towards the end of last season, will be given every opportunity to earn regular playing time in 2015.
Blake, who the Steelers tendered as a restricted free agent in the offseason, very well could earn his way into the Steelers starting lineup when the season begins.
If OTA’s are any indication, Blake could have a larger role than anyone really expected.
Blake has shown versatility and can play inside or outside as evident by his usage during OTA’s.
When the Steelers have shown their nickel package, Blake has moved to the left outside corner, while Gay has moved to the slot.
Playing on the outside is a place Blake feels very comfortable.
“For the most part, I am an outside corner,” Blake told Pittsburgh Tribune-Review‘s Mark Kaboly and Chris Adamski. “I have been known to move around, but I feel like I am an outside corner, and that’s what I like to do.”
That also appears to be what the Steelers would prefer him do.
Blake played in 11 games last season and saw a lot of playing time in the final 10 games once Allen was benched. He finished the season with 42 tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception.
While many Steelers fans would like to see what rookies Golson and Grant can do, ultimately Blake will have a lot to say about how soon the youngsters get into the lineup.
As OTA’s continue this week, Blake is certainly one Steeler worth keeping an eye on.
Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Steelers
