Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft grades: CB Daylen Everette

TL;DR

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette with the 85th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts provided mixed grades, highlighting his potential and areas for development.

Key points

Pittsburgh Steelers selected Daylen Everette with the 85th pick
Everette is a cornerback from Georgia
Analysts provided mixed grades for the selection
He has potential but is viewed as a developmental project

Mentioned in this story

Georgia Bulldogs

Pittsburgh SteelersDaylen Everette

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 06: Defensive back Daylen Everette #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates a stop during the SEC Championship Game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide on December 06, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Pittsburgh Steelers added to their defensive backfield by selecting Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette with the 85th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Our staff weighs in with their respective grades. **Joey Bray**: Everette was always around the ball for the Bulldogs. He was mainly a slot corner and pworked out as one at the Senior Bowl in January. Getting another defensive back with a knack for creating turnovers and pass breakups that mainly plays slot is the exact place the Steelers needed help. The stylistic fit is also great for Patrick Graham, as he gets another playmaker. ***Grade: B*** **Ryland Bickley**: I like picking a defensive back here. There were still a lot of names I would’ve preferred over Everette. That said, he tested surprisingly well at the Combine and has some intriguing traits as a well-built corner with plus athleticism. I still don’t think his coverage technique looks that natural, but there’s quite a bit of upside and he won’t have to start right away. ***Grade: B-*** **Ryan Parish**: Everette is a long, high-cut press corner in the mold that the Steelers prefer. Despite being a former 5-star recruit and a 3-year starter at Georgia, I see him as a developmental project as he never fully lived up to his potential. I question his feel for the game, and I don’t see his athletic testing numbers showing up on his tape. Thankfully, there is no rush for him to start and he has some time to learn. ***Grade: C+*** **Alex Hanczar**: To be totally honest I’m not sure i’m fully on board with this pick. While Jermod McCoy is coming off an injury, I still believe he’s the far better player at the position. Despite the desire in McCoy, Everette joins a room of strong, talented corners that should help speed his NFL readiness up. ***Grade: B-*** **Jarrett Bailey**: Getting a fast, athletic defensive back is never a bad thing. That said, I would have preferred to see the Steelers take a swing at Jermod McCoy. That’s a first-round talent guy who slid because of medical red flags. Nothing against Everette, but I would have gone another direction. ***Grade: C*** ***Let us know what you think in the comments***. ***Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!***

Q&A

What pick did the Pittsburgh Steelers use to select Daylen Everette?

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Daylen Everette with the 85th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What are the grades given by analysts for Daylen Everette's selection?

Analysts gave Daylen Everette grades ranging from B to C+, with comments on his potential and need for development.

What position does Daylen Everette play for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Daylen Everette plays as a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

How did Daylen Everette perform at the Senior Bowl and Combine?

Daylen Everette worked out as a slot corner at the Senior Bowl and tested surprisingly well at the Combine.