PITTSBURGH -- This is the second in a three-part series of prove-it players on the Steelers’ defense during organized team activities (OTAs). Jarvis Jones was the first to be featured.

The ‘it’ in this case is fairly obvious -- prove you can be a productive starter.

Player: Cortez Allen

Pedigree: Fourth-round pick in 2011 has started 18 NFL games, landing a five-year, $26-million contract extension in September.

Why he must prove it: Allen was benched in Week 8 for Brice McCain. His general manager, Kevin Colbert, said this offseason the Steelers must discover if Allen can “accept the challenge” of being an NFL starter. Pro Football Focus, which deemed Allen a ‘secret superstar’ before his contract, rated him the league’s worst corner among 103 players. Are those enough reasons to prove worth?

Why he really must prove it: The Steelers drafted cornerbacks in the second and fourth round, so if Senquez Golson or Doran Grant emerge in camp, that could affect Allen.

Why he will prove it: The Steelers need him. They likely won’t cut him. With William Gay able to play inside and Antwon Blake taking ownership of the left corner spot, there’s synergy if Allen plays outside and plays well. He must get his confidence back, but he appears on his way, telling the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he lost track of fundamentals last season. “The NFL is tough,” inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons said. “It’s a very humbling game. I think from last year, [Allen’s] going to learn from it and be a better player.”