Sports fans love their underdogs, and following their progress toward contributions and success. One of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ top underdog stories from last year was undrafted cornerback James Pierre out of Florida Atlantic, who made the 53-man roster despite having no preseason to demonstrate his wares.
He not only lasted the entire season on the 53-man roster as a positive contributor on special teams, he eventually earned some injury fill-in defensive playing time, and is now poised to compete for the starting nickel role this Summer.
According to Noah Strackbein, his observations from OTAs tell him that Pierre is probably the frontrunner at this very early stage to work his way into that fifth defensive back role, now open with the departures of slot defender Mike Hilton and fellow cornerback Steven Nelson.