The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, picking him at 85th overall. Everette, a physical player with impressive stats, bolsters the Steelers' defensive backfield alongside Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean. Having held a productive college career, he is noted for his speed and tackling ability, but has room for improvement in discipline to minimize penalties. He will likely start as a backup and contribute on special teams initially, with potential to grow into a starting role.

By the Numbers
  • Everette measured 6’1” and weighed 196 pounds at the NFL Combine.
  • He recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds and had a vertical jump of 37.5 inches.
  • His college stats include 105 total tackles, 19 pass breakups, and 5 interceptions over his career.
  • In 2025 alone, he had 50 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and 1 interception.
Yes, But

While Everette shows significant promise, he has displayed weaknesses such as susceptibility to double moves and a tendency to incur penalties, which could hinder his immediate impact in the NFL.

State of Play
  • Everette joins a crowded Steelers secondary, aiming to assert himself behind established starters.
  • He brings valuable experience from over 2,400 defensive snaps across 55 games.
  • Pittsburgh's injury history with current players like Dean creates an opportunity for Everette's role to expand.
What's Next

As the season progresses, Everette's performance during practices and games will determine his playing time and development. Should he refine his technique, he may push for a starting role as the season unfolds.

Bottom Line

Daylen Everette's selection aligns with Pittsburgh's strategy to enhance their defensive roster, providing potential for long-term growth though immediate challenges remain in his technique and adaptability to the pro level.