Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State

[Steeltime]

I think the Steelers arguably could have used an edge rusher before the 6th round (*cough* Winovich), but believe they have a potential gem in CB Justin Layne from Michigan State. The guy logged 15 passes defensed last season, and is still improving as a defensive back after converting from wide receiver in 2016.

He is tall (6'2") and has incredibly long arms for a CB, 33". For reference, his arms are as long as DE Nick Bosa. Why does that matter, you ask? Because his reach advantage over WR's allows him to jam the receiver and throw him off his route. The Steelers played a lot more man last year than seasons prior, and I think Haden, Nelson and Layne give them three CB's who can play bump-and-run.

His 40-yard dash time was in the acceptable range (4.46 hand-held, 4.50), but scouting reports indicate his deep coverage skills are an issue with speed receivers. He plays fast, but is a bit grabby. If he learns to use his leverage to jam receivers, and avoid grabbing when the WR makes a cut, he could be a very solid starting CB and a guy who matches up physically with the opponent's bigger receivers.

 

[Superman]

wait, what?
i was told we played more zone and that was not Artie's forte, which is why he struggled. now we played more man-to-man?

 

[Steeltime]

wait, what?
i was told we played more zone and that was not Artie's forte, which is why he struggled. now we played more man-to-man?

Yep. Steelers 3rd in the NFL in 2018.

 

[Litos]

that's still 48% for Burns to **** it up.

But seriously, when he gave that TD catch on the redzone where he dropped back to cover the end line and gave all the space of the world to the WR to get the pass I was like WTF is he doing out there? that's peewee stuff, he doesn´t even know where he is standing, the kid is mentally broken.

We will need a super shrink to save his career

 

[Steeltime]

that's still 48% for Burns to **** it up.

But seriously, when he gave that TD catch on the redzone where he dropped back to cover the end line and gave all the space of the world to the WR to get the pass I was like WTF is he doing out there? that's peewee stuff, he doesn´t even know where he is standing, the kid is mentally broken.

We will need a super shrink to save his career

Layne is the #4 CB at worst, behind Haden, Nelson, and Hilton. I think he plays quite a bit this season and supplants Burnt.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Some are saying he is the steel of the draft.............. Layne, NOT Artie





Salute the nation

 

[Hines57]

Artie is going to get cut. Where the hell does he make this roster? Sucks that we wasted a 1st on the kid but we have to move on

 

[Steeltime]

Artie is going to get cut. Where the hell does he make this roster? Sucks that we wasted a 1st on the kid but we have to move on

Thank God we didn't trade valuable draft picks to move up and get the guy we wanted, William Jackson.

 

[Litos]

Artie is going to get cut. Where the hell does he make this roster? Sucks that we wasted a 1st on the kid but we have to move on

I'm just saying that only a shrink might save his career, here or elsewhere

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Steeler Nation mobile app

 

[slashsteel]

I'm just saying that only a shrink might save his career, here or elsewhere

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Steeler Nation mobile app

I mean I knew he was raw when he was drafted. So you either develop or you don't. I was surprised that he seemed to be developing somewhat and then did a big nosedive.


And the way he looked every time he was inserted, I doubt he recovers.

 

[SteelerSask2]

If there was an injury that was causing Boswell to miss I'd have another look at hi if it is fixed. But if a player has lost their confidence like that or with Burns they need to be gone. The game will always present pressure moments. How can you ever have the necessary confidence in them to succeed.

 

[Hines57]

I'm just saying that only a shrink might save his career, here or elsewhere

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Steeler Nation mobile app

To me he is a lost cause. You move on. I'm surprised they didn't try to trade him although we don't have that information available to us if they were shopping him.