Fittipaldo Questions If Steelers Can Rely On Juan Thornhill As Beginning Free Security

Did the Pittsburgh Steelers enhance their protection by buying and selling Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey? I are likely to assume it’s a small enchancment, however it leaves some large questions in regards to the security place. Juan Thornhill is the beginning free security by default proper now. However is that the perfect position for him?

The Pittsburgh Submit-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo doesn’t appear bought on Thornhill being the full-time starter.

“Speak about query marks on protection, do we all know proper now that Juan Thornhill can step in and be a starter? I don’t know the reply to that query,” Fittipaldo mentioned Friday by way of 93.7 The Fan’s Pomp and Joe Present. “I do know he had some good years with Kansas Metropolis and there’s a number of speak that his play dropped off in Cleveland. I actually don’t know what he’s gonna carry to the desk. So I believe security could possibly be one thing that they’re gonna have to handle sooner or later earlier than September.”

Even when they assume Thornhill is able to being the beginning free security for 17 video games, what occurs within the occasion of an harm to DeShon Elliott or Thornhill? I doubt the Steelers are excited by re-living the 2023 season after they had a revolving door at security as a result of accidents and suspensions.

Jalen Ramsey would in all probability be the highest candidate to play free security within the occasion of an harm and issues get actually murky if Elliott goes down. One in all both Quindell Johnson or Sebastian Castro (assuming they make the roster) can be the subsequent man up at sturdy security.

Thornhill final began a full season in 2022 for the Chiefs and was really enjoying in additional of a robust security position that season. He matches a lot better as a No. 3 security as the highest backup at each sturdy and free security with functionality to maneuver to the slot in sure packages.

Fitzpatrick’s lack of splash performs drew a number of criticism, however I’m afraid the Steelers may learn how useful his presence was in the event that they plan to start out Thornhill all the season. Fortuitously, there are some respectable choices available on the market, together with former All-Professional FS Justin Simmons.

Simmons lately advised The Denver Submit that he’s being “choosy” about his subsequent crew and his prime precedence goes to a contender. Whether or not or not he views Pittsburgh as a contender is anyone’s guess, however he would go a good distance towards solidifying the protection at nearly each place. The Steelers can be higher off with Thornhill in a No. 3 position than as their beginning free security.