A decade and a half ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers were usually able to find their cornerbacks in the middle of the draft. While there was Bryant McFadden in the second round, they often surrounded themselves with mid-rounders like Ike Taylor, Deshea Townsend, and William Gay.
Generally, their profile was intelligent, willing tacklers who could understand complex schemes and work within them. The way the game has evolved, however, makes it difficult for that profile alone to succeed. Which, according to Bob Labriola, presented a two-fold problem for the Steelers.