2026 Steelers Rookie Cornerback Gives Credit to D.K. Metcalf for His Offseason Success
In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers used one of their three third-round picks to take Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette 85th overall. The six-foot-one, former National Champion cornerback comes into an already improved Steelers secondary, ready to use his height and speed to dominate the outside perimeter. A 4.38-second 40-yard dash, 124-inch broad jump, and a 37.5-inch vertical jump are simply outstanding physicals, putting him among the best available cornerbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft. While off-season programs have not hit their climax with minicamp yet, Everett has already been turning heads at Steelers OTAs and other offseason programs. One of Everette’s biggest reasons for this early success is attributed to D.K. Metcalf, the Steelers big-body wide receiver, who has already taken a leadership role in the Steel City.
Metcalf was the Steelers' leading receiver in terms of yards and touchdowns last season, recording 850 yards and six touchdowns. He has three inches and 40 pounds on Everette, so it truly is surprising that he has been able to hold his own against the veteran pass-catcher. The Steelers were high on Everette, and he’s proving their decision to draft them to be a good one. He spoke about the former Seahawks WR, saying, “Metcalf is a physical guy, so going against someone like him can help me guard anyone else. I enjoy going against him because I know it’s helping me get better.” Everette is put in a weird position heading into 2026. You can’t discredit the exceptional work that the former Bulldog has put in against one of the most physically dominant receivers in the NFL, but you also can’t ignore the crowded and strong cornerback room already representing the black and gold. Joey Porter Jr., Asante Samuel Jr., Jalen Ramsey, and newly acquired Jamel Dean all had very respectable seasons last year, or even excellent seasons. Everette will struggle to find prolonged playing time behind these stars, but if he continues to impress head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, he may find a role for himself.
One of the biggest changes the Steelers need to make to build an elite defense in 2026 is learning to stop third-and-long situations. Everette could be a great player who could help improve this facet of the Steelers' defense. Blazing speed and long arms allow his zone coverage to excel, as he flies around the field and seemingly makes plays from anywhere. Combine this with his improving man-coverage skills against big bodies like Metcalf, and he could turn out to be a highly productive all-around defensive back. There is a lot of excitement about this Steelers defense heading into the new season. From the excitement of defensive line coach Domata Peko to the extension of Nick Herbig and the powerful safety room that Pittsburgh possesses, 2026 should actually be a step-up in terms of defensive production; something that has been promised year after year but has failed to meet those expectations. Everette must feel this excitement, and these skills have shown it. If he continues to trend upwards and holds his own against Metcalf and the other Steelers’ receivers, he just might be the next superstar cornerback in the Steel City.
