It happens every year. An unlikely contributor emerges, whether an undrafted free agent or a day three NFL Draft pick. These players are described as hidden gems and are a key part of building the perfect NFL team. Who is going to be the 2023 Steelers hidden gem, and what do they bring to the table?
Cory Trice is the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers Hidden Gem
This might be a bit of a bold statement, but Trice can be the best corner from this draft class. Despite his low draft pedigree, he was a standout at the combine. A towering 6’3″ frame lets him match up with some of the larger wide receivers in the league (Tee Higgins twice a year) and his 4.47 40-yard dash is plenty fast. Kent Lee Platte does relative athletic scores, which take into account size, speed, and explosive measurable statistics. Out of 2171 cornerbacks since 1987, Croy Trice Jr. ranks 74. That is in the top half of the top one percent. He was certainly a steal for Pittsburgh, as many sites had him projected to go in the third or fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
On top of his insane athleticism, Trice also has some solid tape. His long arms don’t let receivers get clean off the line and he is aggressive in all aspects of the game. Trice can defend passes, smack receivers on quick screens and is a more than willing tackler even against larger running backs and tight ends. His 2022 season was a great one, where he recorded 34 tackles. He also intercepted two passes and deflected ten. Per Sports Reference Trice also has a nose for the endzone, turning two of his five career interceptions into touchdowns. He additionally brings some versatility to the secondary with two years of college as a safety.
Cory Trice Jr. Will Remind Steelers Fans of…
A thicker Ike Taylor. Taylor’s play style was instrumental in the success of the 2000s Steelers. His ability to jam receivers, adjust their routes and give time for pass rushers is part of what made that unit so special. Taylor was also a day-three pick in the draft and needed some time to develop. Tall, physical corners that can make an impact on their team are hard to come by. If Trice turns into even just Ike Taylor light that would be an amazing draft pick that late in the draft.
Bottom Line on This Hidden Gem
Cory Trice Jr. landed in the perfect situation to grow. Patrick Peterson signing in Pittsburgh gives him a built-in mentor. T.J. Watt’s pass rushing will supply plenty of erratic passes from opposing teams. Even the offense that is primed to take a step forward in 2023 will take some pressure off of Trice in his rookie year. The cornerback rotation will be an important camp battle to watch, as no two players have a guaranteed role. The depth chart as it stands now only has Patrick Peterson (not a spring chicken) and Joey Porter Jr. (also a rookie) in front of him. The path to meaningful playing time is wide open, and he’ll be ready for it. Cory Trice is the hidden gem for the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Main Photo Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
