Burns vs. Sutton. What are the chances they battle for the starting job?

[stillwright]

Haden is a free agent in 2020. He's not going anywhere. He's tied as the 20th highest paid CB in the league this year, and that is value. Unless he can't play, he will play out this contract and may get another.

I didn't realize we had him signed until 2020. Nice.

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Hilton is great where he is. No way the coaches would move him. He's too small and slow to flourish on the outside. Let him star in the slot.

Allen getting more snaps than Edmunds??? Not a chance unless a injury hits. Allen is slow with below average ball skills.

No offense Tape, you are a good poster.

who said the coaches were moving Hilton? I said he's good in the slot and likely has that position locked which puts Burns and Sutton in competition.

 

[Coach]

who said the coaches were moving Hilton? I said he's good in the slot and likely has that position locked which puts Burns and Sutton in competition.

You wrote,

Hilton could be the guy who is most certain to start. He's very good in the slot and was good with blitzes. Hilton could be the reason that Burns or Sutton is on the bench.

I agree Hilton is best in the slot, but by saying he could be the reason Burns or Sutton are on the bench, it implies he's taking either's outside cornerback jobs. At least that's one way to interpret it.

 

[slashsteel]

Allen is slow with below average ball skills.

There it is Coach already labeled him a bust, cut him now.


SMH

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

You wrote,

I agree Hilton is best in the slot, but by saying he could be the reason Burns or Sutton are on the bench, it implies he's taking either's outside cornerback jobs. At least that's one way to interpret it.

My next sentence then said Burns and Sutton will be in direct competition. Meaning Hilton probably has nickel locked so Burns or Sutton will likely be odd man out.

I expect lots of exotic coverages this year to try to find playing time for the guys left out.

For simplicity, i'll assume Burns is starter. That would mean Burns, Haden, Hilton, Burnett, Davis are your starters in nickel

That leaves Sutton, Edmunds and Marcus Allen on the bench. Quite a bit of talent to do nothing.

I can see each of those 3 playing in different dime packages depending on situiation

Sutton - extra coverage against a pass heavy team or long situations
Edmunds - more athleticism against a team with a good receiving back or a good 2nd TE

Marcus Allen - if you want more of a run stuffer. Maybe you play him at MLB with 0 LBs. 7 DBs and Watt, Heyward, Tuitt, and Dupree playing DL

 

[Coach]

There it is Coach already labeled him a bust, cut him now.


SMH

Slow with bad hands isn't exactly what the NFL wants in DB's. But what do I know, my track record in calling out busts like Archer, Golsen, Jones, Sweed needs some work!

I would not call Allen an early round bust bust, but I do think we could have done better in round five. I don't think Allen was a long snapper like bad pick that we cut ( that was round 6 ) as he might make the team and play on kick coverage units.

I look froward to being wrong here, and I'm sure the first thing he does to stand out in camp or the pre-season will be directed right at me.

 

[Stryker]

I find Sutton to be quite versatile. He has the ability to play edge and slot. I think he could compete with Burns outside for that position, and he could also compete with Hilton for slot. Today, I think Sutton is already the 4th DB on the field in just about any situation, and even would have no problem with him coming in as the high safety in dimes.

We went from no talent in the secondary 3 years ago, to a lot of talent. Just putting it together will be the challenge. As long as the unit continues to improve and make plays, I will be happy. Last year, the secondary made plays until Haden and Shazier went down, so it will be interesting to see what the plan of attack is this year with a healthy Haden and more safety talent.

Might be a lot of Burns and Haden playing man with the safeties roving. That would create some interesting defensive schemes that would be tough to read for QBs presnap.

 

[Coach]

If Sutton continues to play smart, he'll slowly get starting reps.
Burns has the tools to excel. Just needs to play smart. So it's really Burns job to lose.

Here's how I see it. Right now, Burns is better than Sutton. That could change this season, but let's say it doesn't.

When Burns becomes an unrested free agent in 2020, the Steelers have a choice.

Do they want to allocate 7-11 million a year in salary cap space to retain Burns, OR should they let him go, pick up say a 5th round compensatory selection ( Depends on who they sign in free agency that year ) and give the job to Sutton who'd much cheaper and nearly as good knowing that in another year ( 2021 ) he too will become an unrestricted free agent.

I don't think Burns will even be a " smart " player. Sutton seems to be, but he's not a big or as fast as Burns.

 

[kev4heels]

Haden is a free agent in 2020. He's not going anywhere. He's tied as the 20th highest paid CB in the league this year, and that is value. Unless he can't play, he will play out this contract and may get another.

I hope you guys are right. I have always liked Haden. Dude is a good CB and great teacher to the young guys.
It's just a matter of $$$ IMO.