2015 Steelers’ Draft

                   An Aging Defense Gets Some Young Blood                       

By Rick Briggs, Asylum Sports

It is always sad when great players say goodbye to the game. It is perhaps sadder when they try to hang on too long. Troy Polamalu and Ike Tayler both retired from the Steelers earlier this year and frankly, it was almost too late.  Polamalu was credited with exactly 1 covered pass all season and he only missed 2 games. Taylor was injured most of the year with a broken forearm, but when he did come back, it was sad. Receivers outran him down the field all day.  The Steelers did not pressure the opposing quarterbacks nearly enough during the year, chalking up only 33 sacks and 11 interceptions. Their defensive rankings have been on the downslide the last couple of years. In fact, 2014 saw their pass defense fall to 27^th.

The above reasons and a few more prompted Pittsburgh to start drafting for defense. After winning the AFC North and commanding the 22^nd pick, Pittsburgh was stunned and elated when Bud Dupree was still there. It probably took them all of ten seconds to make the selection.  The Defensive End out of Kentucky is an impressive specimen who just may switch to outside linebacker and provide Pittsburgh with a much needed pass rush. At 6’4” and 269 pounds, he relies on speed and agility and left Kentucky as the all-time sack leader. As he matures, look for him to get stronger: this translates him into becoming  a beast of a pass rusher.  I look for Dupree to make an immediate impact in Pittsburgh. You should see him get plenty of playing time right off the bat.

Although small, second rounder Senquez Golson should be a starter from Game 1. He has an immense load of talent and agility. He will have a tough time guarding the big guys like Dez Bryant or Calvin Johnson, but he has a good nose for the football, speed and quick reading of the offense. I think Golson is an immediate upgrade at the cornerback position. He could start over Cortez Allen if Allen even makes the cut this year.

Sammie Coates, the Wide Receiver out of Auburn was a value pick at number 3. He’s big and has a lot of talent. He is an inconsistent player right now, but Coates doesn’t need to come in and start right away.  He could certainly be a major player in the years to come.

Although not the flashy player, 4^th rounder Doran Grant was a great pick for this secondary. He’s got decent size, and he is a physical corner with a good eye for the play. Most importantly, in my opinion, is Grant loves contact and is tough to fight off blockers. He is a hard hitting corner that needs some grooming.  This is a solid player, folks. Some say he actually second-guesses himself, but sometimes raw players can look lost when they are learning their craft. I can see Grant getting playing time in 2015 and Steeler fans hopes he catches on quickly.

How can you fault Penn State’s Jesse James in the 5^th round? This kid is huge and is a great blocker. A little stiff at times, but you can’t find a better teacher than Heath Miller. Heath is not done yet, but when the time comes, I think the Tight End position is in good hands.

Helping solidify the Defensive line with Leterrius Walton was not a bad idea. This raw DT out of Central Michigan is 6’5” and 320 pounds. He can plug holes quickly and that’s one thing a tackle needs to do. He has the typical NFL body: large frame, long arms and a quick step off the ball. One of his biggest knocks is his lack of strength. Many young men get only stronger through their mid to late twenties, and if that is the biggest knock, I’ll take it in the sixth round!

Another sixth rounder, Anthony Chickillo from Miami is one those guys with potential. He had a great combine, and Shrine game and should lock down a spot on the roster. At 6’3” he’s not too tall and can stay low to force lineman back. He is a proto-typical Steeler: He is tough, plays through minor injuries and doesn’t seem to slow down.  He has a Brett Keisel-like attitude, which fits in well.

Finally, Gerod Holliman out of Louisville is a free safety that covers really well. Once he learns (and that is not a given) that football requires tackling, he could become a nice addition. He’s not afraid to hit, but sometimes is not in the right position to hit the ball carrier. Polamalu could get away with being helter-skelter out there, but that is rare. Holliman will be well coached, but what he does with it is his choice. He could contribute or be a bust.

This draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers was one of their finest in years and I think they have gotten some players who will help immediately. In a league where the pass is dominant, you must stop it. Getting more pressure on the quarterback and actually covering receivers are the two ways to stop the pass. Pittsburgh has addressed those concerns in a big way. The defensive line should be very solid, the line backing core is better and should help sack the quarterback more. The biggest concern of all was the secondary, as we discussed.  Although there will be some rough growing pains, I think by mid-season it should be a secondary than can at least adequately cover the pass.

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