With training camp just over a month away for the Pittsburgh Steelers, there are several players who must use camp to take a big step forward.
While Jarvis Jones’ name comes to mind on the Steelers defense, perhaps no player must show that he can have a bounce back season more than cornerback Cortez Allen.
In fear of perhaps losing another young corner, the Steelers rushed to give Allen a five-year, $26-million contract extension prior to last season.
Needless to say that decision initially blew up in the Steelers face as Allen was benched in favor of Brice McCain midway through the season.
A big key for Keith Butler’s defense could be whether or not Allen can play like a legitimate starter or if he will once again find himself riding the bench.
If Allen can return to form it will be big as the Steelers defense needs someone capable of playing on the outside. During OTA’s we already got a glimpse of William Gay being moved inside and Antwon Blake playing outside as the left cornerback.
Allen needs to show he belongs in the NFL as a starter and can prove that by doing a solid job on the right side.
Judging by past performance, which is something that is easier said than done, the 2015 season could be a make or break year for the former fourth-round pick.
No one is asking Allen to become a superstar overnight, but he absolutely must be better than he was a season ago.
How bad was Allen? Let’s just say that he graded out as the very worst corner in the entire league by Pro Football Focus.
If Allen doesn’t come to camp to prove the doubters wrong right off the bat, he likely will be passed up on the depth chart by rookies Senquez Golson and Doran Grant.
Given his salary, the Steelers won’t be cutting Allen. They need him to play and play at a high level.
If you are looking for an X-factor on the Steelers defense heading into camp, look no further than Allen.
If he regains his confidence, this Steelers defense could be surprisingly good.
If he doesn’t you have to wonder how many more chances he will get.
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