Steelers sign speedy cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke
By Matt Shetler
Just days before the Pittsburgh Steelers open up the 2012 season against the Denver Broncos, Kevin Colbert is still doing some roster tinkering.
August 1, 2012; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive back DeMarcus Van Dyke (23) catches the ball during training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE
The Steelers signed cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, who was cut this week by the Oakland Raiders.
Van Dyke was Oakland’s third-round draft choice last season and he started four of the 14 games he played for them as a rookie.
The Steelers will have to remove someone from the roster in order to make room for Van Dyke. One option could be to place rookie guard David DeCastro on the eight-week injured reserve to create a temporary roster spot.
Van Dyke, 23, who played at the University of Miami, intercepted one pass and recovered a fumble last season in Oakland. One thing Van Dyke has is a ton of speed, running a 4.28 40-yard dash at the 2011 NFL Combine, tying him for the third best time ever.
His signing adds depth to a secondary that’s still very much a question mark.
Keenan Lewis earned the starting nod opposite Ike Taylor, but with the likes of Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown occupying the third and fourth corner spots, the Steelers secondary is unproven, so adding another body with NFL experience makes sense.