The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very full cornerback room. But as the saying often goes, NFL teams can’t really have too many cornerbacks, It’s possible the Steelers might have also just added one that could be the team’s next undrafted star — Indiana’s Devan Boykin.
The Steelers inked Boykin in undrafted free agency following the 2026 NFL Draft. In the days after the draft, Pittsburgh signed six undrafted free agents.
On Thursday, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox called Boykin the most likely undrafted free agent to make the team’s roster.
“Former Indiana defensive back Devan Boykin might not jump off the screen due to his size (5’10”, 192 lbs) or quickness (4.63-second 40-yard dash). However, his versatility and production are impressive,” wrote Knox.
“After spending four years at NC State, Boykin joined the Indiana Hoosiers for their national championship run. As a safety and slot defender, he racked up 59 total tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack, and two interceptions this past season.
“After signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Boykin’s experience and physical style of play could earn him a spot on the active roster.
“Pittsburgh has some older players in the secondary, including cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Jalen Ramsey, who are unlikely to play special teams. Boykin can provide defensive depth while also helping to fill the void left by departed special-teams ace Miles Killebrew.”
That brief draft profile for Boykin could remind some fans of former Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.
In 2024, Bishop made the Steelers as an undrafted free agent and started six games as a slot cornerback.
Steelers Signed Devan Boykin in NFL Undrafted Free Agency
Pittsburgh didn’t have the biggest undrafted free agency class this year. That was due in large part to the fact the Steelers made 10 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But the team again addressed the secondary by signing Boykin. Pro Football Sports Network called the Indiana product an “under-the-radar” prospect versatile enough to play slot cornerback or safety.
“Boykin’s positional versatility is a hallmark of his profile,” wrote the PFSN staff. “He can play nickel or safety in split-field looks, and he’s borderline elite in run support, with a quick-firing trigger, sharp angle IQ, excellent block take-on technique, and finishing ability.”
Boykin doesn’t have the same physical traits as Bishop. Although they are roughly the same height, Boykin is 10 pounds heavier while Bishop ran a considerably faster 40-yard dash.
But as Bishop did two years ago, Knox sees Boykin potentially earning a roster spot in Pittsburgh as a slot cornerback.
Steelers Crowded Cornerback Room in 2026 NFL Offseason
The Indiana cornerback is another exciting young defensive back in Pittsburgh. Again, it’s hard to have too many of those.
Still, it’s difficult to see how exactly Boykin could earn a Steelers roster spot for 2026.
The Steelers will return veterans Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols for the 2026 campaign. The latter two cornerbacks each fit best playing in the slot.
In NFL free agency, the Steelers signed outside cornerback starter Jamel Dean. Then during the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the team added Daylen Everette.
Because of his versatility, Boykin could follow a different path than Bishop and play more safety in Pittsburgh. But the Steelers added Jaquan Brisker in free agency and Robert Spears-Jennings in the draft at safety.
When the Steelers play their base defense this fall, Ramsey could start at safety next to fellow veteran DeShon Elliott. Then when the team deploys its nickel package, Ramsey could slide to slot cornerback.
The Steelers also have several other defensive backs on the offseason roster, including, most notably, Asante Samuel Jr., Cory Trice Jr. and Donte Kent.
That’s a lot of bodies even for a large position group such as the secondary.
Boykin appears to have a lot of talent that’s transferrable to the NFL. But he has a lot of work to do to make the Steelers this summer.
Steelers May Have Just Found Defense’s Next Beanie Bishop Jr.