Steelers NFL 2015 Draft Summary

The 2015 Draft has come to an end for the National Football League.  I am very satisfied with the outcome of the Pittsburgh Steelers draft class this year. Not only did they fill holes on the defense but they did so without trading up. This was a deep draft for many positions and the Steelers knew they needed to draft mostly defensive players.

Round One: Alvin “Bud” Dupree, LB (UK). A 6’4″ 269 lb warrior. Definitely found a future starting linebacker in the first round that many believed should of gone top 10, maybe top 15. This was a surprise to me as I didn’t expect him to be on the board. As I am sitting on my couch hoping when Roger Goodell introduces the newest member of the Steelers it will be a defensive player. I was hoping for Bud Dupree or Damarious Randell.  Bud Dupree will fill the much needed hole at linebacker for years to come.

Round Two: Senquez Golson, CB (Ole Miss). A 5’9″ 176 lb “midget” as people would say. Not even close to any player I was thinking at the time but I love this pick. The size does not bother me one bit. And it shouldn’t bother anyone because he is a ball hawking “midget”. He makes plays on the football and his 10 interceptions prove it. Oh wait, he can tackle too? A area that needed improvement. He can be played against slot receivers (who also can be midgets) and in run situations. He sure doesn’t look like a “midget” here does he?

Round Three: Sammie Coates, WR (Auburn). A 6’1″ 212 lb speedster who is king of the deep ball and ran a 4.4 at the combine. Another pick on day two that wasn’t on my radar. Looking at it now I like the pick but on Friday, not so much. I felt WR was a need but maybe later in the draft. You can never have to many targets for Ben Roethlisberger. He is another big target with good hands. While at Auburn he completed he averaged over 21 yards per catch (YPC) the last two seasons.

Round Four: Doran Grant, CB (OSU). Doran Grant is 5’10” 200 lbs. The Steelers sure do LOVE Ohio State players. He will be joining fellow Buckeyes Cam Heyward, Will Allen, Ryan Shazier, and Mike Adams. Ryan Shazier and Doran Grant were on the same team last year so they know each others weaknesses and strengths. In my opinion he will be competing for a CB position and at times will be playing safety. He will also be used on special teams because he is a great tackler. He was projected to go a lot higher in many mock drafts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TUe8VEjHdM

Round Five: Jesse James, TE (PSU). Jesse James is 6’7′ 261 lbs and posted 4.8 40 at the combine but a 4.66 at his pro day. For most people the combine was his coming out party as he did really well. Jesse James was the TE that I wanted this draft and was the only offensive player I thought they were going to take. A Pennsylvania kid who gets to play for his home state which is every players dream. Set the school record in receiving touchdowns with 11. A tight end that can pass block well and slips into open areas of the football field. Just think of Matt Spaeth but younger. Jesse James is not only good on the field but off the field as well. He raised more than $150,00 for kidney cancer.

Round Six: Leterrius Walton, DE (Central Michigan). Stands in at 6’5″ and weighs 319 lbs. They say that the last day of the draft is where you find the depth players and championship teams are made. Depth at the DE position is something the Steelers are in need of. L.T Walton is a very solid depth piece behind Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. He will be used at DE instead of DT like he was in college. He recorded 106 tackles, 18.5 for a loss and six sacks in his four-year career at CMU.

Round Six: Anthony Chickillo, LB (Miami). 6’3′ 267 lbs. Anthony Chickillo was the Steelers compensatory pick in the sixth round. Adding another depth player to add to the already deep LB core. He will be moving from DE to LB. In the Steelers eyes you can never have to many linebackers. He is versatile and athletic, also knows how to track the ball down. had 41 tackles and 3 sacks last year for Miami.

Round Seven: Gerod Holliman, S (Louisville). At 6’0″ and 218 lbs this was a absolute steal. He is an absolute ball hawker as he led the nation with 14 interceptions. He was First-Team All-American and First-Team All-ACC. He needs work on tackling but that is why you chose two other tackling machines to help groom Gerod Holliman. To return the favor Gerod Holliman can help his fellow Steelers defensive backs how to catch. I still have no idea how he fell so far into the draft even with the issues people say he has.

 

Well that will do it for my seven round, eight player summary. I believe the war room had a successful draft but who actually knows until these players reach the playing field. With 2 linebackers, 2 corner backs, 1 defensive end, 1 safety, 1 tight end, and 1 wide receiver these players should be the some future parts of your Pittsburgh Steelers.