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3 Takeaways from Tennessee Vols CB Cameron Sutton to the Steelers in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 19, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Cameron Sutton (23) reacts during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 63-37. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Cameron Sutton (23) reacts during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 63-37. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh selected Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Cameron Sutton in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Here are three takeaways from the pick.

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He made the tough decision to return to the Tennessee Vols for his senior season and then missed half the year due to a nagging injury. But Cam Sutton still managed to be taken in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Steelers.

A Tennessee football captain from the 2016 team, Sutton was a lockdown cover corner for the Vols for four years. Former teammate Joshua Dobbs would later join Sutton in Pittsburgh after they took him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

Here are three takeaways from the Steelers’ decision to draft Sutton.

1. Cam Sutton will have to fight to see action his first year with the Steelers.

This seems like it was a long-term move, but it could still pay off. Pittsburgh just locked up Artie Burns to a four-year contract last summer, so they have him on one side. Meanwhile, Ross Cockrell still has a year left on his contract on the other side. And William Gay is still there.

However, this is actually perfect for Sutton. He has a chance to learn the system, and he can be used in nickel and dime packages as well. After all, this team is not deep at corner behind its starters. So Sutton can come in and make some plays as he learns the system.

2. Pittsburgh’s personnel minimizes Cam Sutton’s weaknesses.

This is a great thing for Sutton as he learns the system this year. Pittsburgh has worked to significantly improve its safety play. Meanwhile, Gay and Burns are great corners. All of this frees up Sutton to do what he does best: give a cushion and then close on the ball.

Now, Sutton still needs to get better at making physical contact with receivers and not getting juked out so easily. But the help of physical safeties allows him to play his more finesse game, and depending on when he comes in, he could shine as a result.

3. Cam Sutton adds depth in the return game. 

The Steelers have begun to limit Antonio Brown’s touches on special teams to save him from getting hurt, and that’s more crucial than ever with his new contract. As a result, Sutton adds major value to this team in the return game.

An All-American kick returner himself in college, Sutton and Brown both studied special teams under Butch Jones, who emphasized it. That could make for a two-headed monster who could alternate on returns and keep defenses guessing. Even before he fully takes over at cornerback, Sutton could emerge in the return game this year.

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