Thornhill offers range at free safety, bridging the back end with Thornhill-Elliott in split looks. His ability to patrol the center and read pattern combinations helps stabilize the defense as rookies grow into their roles behind him.

Juan Thornhill inherits No. 22 for the Steelers, bringing a safety-coverage profile with starting experience from Kansas City and Cleveland. His challenge is to stabilize Pittsburgh’s back end after Fitzpatrick’s exit, leveraging ball skills and scheme familiarity to spark more turnovers.

Thornhill’s versatile safety role complements Ramsey by handling free safety responsibilities while adding depth across various coverages. His playmaking instincts and ability to read routes could yield meaningful interception and tackle opportunities, especially in schemes that value hybrid coverage.

Thornhill embraced a tone-setting role as the new starting free safety, projecting leadership and a steady influence in the back end. His early imprint signals a smoother secondary dynamic as Pittsburgh moves forward.

Thornhill flashed in his Steelers debut with 12 snaps and zero receptions against him, breaking up a pass and applying immediate pressure in coverage. His presence signals a fortified secondary as Pittsburgh leans on veteran experience to boost fantasy DB/C/ST potential and defensive points early in a tough preseason slate.