The Pittsburgh Steelers have long shown a preference for players with NFL bloodlines, and this upcoming NFL Draft might see them continue that trend. Already boasting familial connections like the Heyward brothers and the Herbig siblings, the team could be adding another name tied to Steelers royalty—Shon Stephens, a promising cornerback from Ferris State and cousin to Joey Porter Jr., last year’s No. 32 overall pick by the Steelers.
The Draft Prospect You Haven’t Heard About Yet
While Shon Stephens isn’t a household name like his cousin, he has demonstrated noteworthy skills at Ferris State after transferring from West Liberty. Despite a setback that saw the NCAA ruling against his immediate eligibility when he planned to join Penn State, Stephens shined brightly in the Division II landscape. His impressive stats from the last season, including eight interceptions and a touchdown return, alongside a speedy 4.3 in the 40-yard dash at Michigan State’s pro day, certainly make him a player to watch.
From Potential to the Pros: Shon Stephens’ Journey to the NFL
After the Steelers’ recent acquisition of Donte Jackson, the cornerback room in Pittsburgh, though bolstered, remains thinly staffed past the fresh talent and Porter Jr., who himself has just one year left on his contract. This situation positions Stephens as a viable candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially as a late-round pick or even as an undrafted rookie. His addition could fortify the team’s defensive backfield and continue the tradition of familial ties within the roster.
Meet @kobey_stephens 🤝🏾‼️ MONEY TEAM ATTB 😮💨
🎥x @J_rich35 pic.twitter.com/gmKq9A1kc7
— UCO Football (@ucobronchofb) April 9, 2024
Keeping It in the Family: A Pittsburgh Steelers Specialty
The Steelers’ unique strategy of leveraging NFL legacies could benefit them again with the potential addition of Stephens. Linking players through familial bonds not only enriches the team culture but can also enhance on-field chemistry—a factor that shouldn’t be underestimated in a sport as synchronized as football.
What This Means for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Should the Pittsburgh Steelers decide to draft Stephens or sign him post-draft, it would mark the addition of the third set of family members to their roster, reinforcing a distinctive team-building approach that could be crucial for the upcoming seasons. As the NFL evolves, maintaining such connections can provide stability and depth, elements that are often the backbone of championship-caliber teams.
In conclusion, as we approach the draft, all eyes will be on the Steelers’ management to see if they will indeed capitalize on the opportunity to add Shon Stephens to their ranks. His potential contribution could be significant, especially as Pittsburgh looks to build a robust team capable of going the distance in the highly competitive NFL landscape.
Source: Yardbarker
