Daylen Everette was one of the big winners coming out of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ spring offseason program. Thought to be a developmental player as part of a crowded cornerback room, he’s made the most of extra opportunities created by injuries higher up on the depth chart.

Mike McCarthy singled him out and offered high praise ahead of Friday’s practice.

“Doesn’t look like a rookie,” McCarthy said, according to The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo on X.

Everette matched up against top WR DK Metcalf a lot throughout the spring and acquitted himself well. Of course he took some lumps, but he also showed the ability to run with one of the NFL’s most physically gifted receivers in and made his share of plays.

If iron sharpens iron, then Everette is quickly being honed to a fine edge. In one of the biggest plays of Thursday’s training camp practice, Metcalf got the better of Everette. But the rookie made him earn every bit of his highlight-reel catch.

Mike McCarthy said Daylen Everette doesn’t look like a rookie at all so far, and on this play, what did he want from the cornerback? “Exactly what he did. That’s what you want. It’s a 7-route, he’s holding his leverage, but that’s two phenomenal athletes … DK won that battle.”

— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) July 31, 2026

When asked what Everette needed to do on this play, McCarthy said, “Exactly what he did. That’s what you want. It’s a 7-route, he’s holding his leverage, but that’s two phenomenal athletes…DK won that battle.”

Holding your own and standing out against practice squad receivers is one thing. Being in perfect position against one of the highest-paid NFL receivers says a lot about the rookie.

It’s still unclear what his role will be this year once Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey are back in the mix. Jamel Dean is firmly entrenched as a starter, and Asante Samuel Jr. looks back to top form as one of the top standouts of camp so far.

Omar Khan emphasized that secondary depth is more important than ever as one of the most often-injured positions in the league. If nothing else, Everette serves as an excellent insurance policy for one of the deepest cornerback rooms Pittsburgh has ever had.

It looks like Pittsburgh found a bargain in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.