Pittsburgh Steelers: Best draft in NFL in 2015?

By Luis Tirado Jr. | May 4, 2015

The Pittsburgh Steelers had quite the ideas brewing in their 2015 NFL Draft war room. They knew they needed help with their pass rush since last season alone, they barely got to the quarterback enough to make a difference. Sure, they still made it to the NFL playoffs thanks to a potent offense led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger but ultimately fell short due to their defense not being able to stop opponents. With eight picks in the draft, the Steelers left the event with all major team needs addressed and then some.

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Bud Dupree (Kentucky) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 22nd overall pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

In the first round, they landed an instant starter and eventual key contributor in linebacker Alvin Dupree. It was surprising that he dropped all the way down to their No. 22 overall selection since he’s incredibly talented enough to make an immediate impact upon arrival.

More from Pittsburgh Steelers

With a dire need to bolster their defensive secondary, the Steelers drafted cornerback Senquez Golson in the second round. At 5’9″ and 176 pounds, he’s an incredibly talented and speedy defensive back that will be able to infuse youth and skill at the position. He’ll have a stellar rookie season since he has a knack at being an incredible ball-hawk.

Another solid and perhaps the best pick by the Steelers in the draft came in the third round when they landed a future gem in wide receiver Sammie Coates. I had him rated as a second-round talent due to what he brings to the table. The 6’1″, 212-pound wideout from Auburn totaled 82 catches for 1,757 yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons with the team. His blazing speed will be a problem for defenders once he gets acclimated to life in the NFL.

Bolstering their defensive secondary yet again, Pittsburgh drafted cornerback Doran Grant. He excels in zone coverage and will be able to give the Steelers more peace of mind on certain defensive plays to give them an opportunity to once again create key turnovers.

Nov 15, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Jesse James (18) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Temple Owls at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Temple 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

Elsewhere, did the Steelers actually find a suitable replacement for tight end Heath Miller? In the fifth round, the Steelers drafted one of the top tight ends in this year’s draft in Jesse James. Out of Penn State, he amassed 78 catches for 1,005 yards and 11 scores in three seasons with the Nittany Lions. He’s a solid blocker and has the raw talent to develop into something special down the road.

In the later rounds of the draft, the Steelers added defensive tackle Leterrius Walton, defensive end Anthony Chickillo and safety Gerod Holliman. Needless to say, defense dominated the draft for the Steelers and they are one of a selective few that earned an “A” in my book.

It’s no secret that defense wins championships. I’m quite confident that if the Steelers were able to be competitive on the defensive side of the ball, they would have gone further last year in the postseason. That’s revisionist history that could perhaps change in 2015.

Next: Sammie Coates fits Pittsburgh Steelers profile

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers