With the second and third round selections of Mississippi cornerback Senquez Golson and Auburn wide receiver Sammy Coates, the Pittsburgh Steelers added two more SEC talents to complement first-round pick Alvin “Bud” Dupree. Let’s take a look at the picks and give them grades.
In the second round, the Steelers did what many felt they should have done with their first pick by drafting a cornerback. In Golson, the Steelers get a playmaker who had a tremendous senior campaign that earned him first-team All-American along with being a finalist for the Bronco Nagurski award, given to the top defensive player in college football. Golson recorded 10 interceptions last season, including a dazzling game clinching pick in an upset win over then top-ranked Alabama.
Golson was not among the handful of cornerbacks regularly mentioned as a potential early target for the Steelers, but he brings something to the defense that they have been desperate for — playmaking ability. Ranking 25th in the league in interceptions with 11, Golson nearly matched that total by himself last season in the ultra-competitve SEC.
Golson is natural and fluid in coverage, and it’s clear watching him on tape he has the ability to blanket receivers downfield. Another plus is Golson is aggressive and extremely competitive, there is no fear in supporting against the run, despite of his small frame. It’s that five-foot, eight-inch, 176-pound frame that worries scouts. It likely pushed him a notch below prospects such as Trae Waynes, Kevin Johnson and Marcus Peters, and allowed the Steelers to select him late in the second round.
Why I like this pick:
Actually, I love this pick. Golson has a skill set at cornerback that the Steelers desperately needed, and has a chance to make an immediate impact. Though physically not the “prototype” for the position, all he does is make plays and get the job done.
The Steelers needed to get a cornerback who can be a shut-down type and Golson has a chance to be that player. In a league where passing rules, you better have cornerbacks who can cover downfield. That’s exactly what Golson can do, and the Steelers secondary immediate got better with Golson added to the roster.
Why I don’t like this pick:
Two worries; for one, with the small frame and aggressive style, will Golson be able to hold up physically? His size might also make him risky against large receivers who might be able to use their size advantages to win one on one battles. Two, Golson was rarely asked to play man-to-man coverage at Ole’ Miss.
The defensive schemes utilized at Ole’ Miss were much more zone oriented so there are some questions about how that will convert in the NFL. However, the Steelers rely heavily on zone principles and beyond that, I have little doubt Golson can match up one on one in coverage. The big question is he more than simply a nickel cornerback who will cover slot receivers?
Final Grade: A
The third-round selection of Coates is intriguing yet perplexing at the same time. Coates can flat out fly (4.4-40) and combines that speed with a large frame (six-foot one, 212 pounds) that NFL scouts love. There is definitely some “shock and awe” with Coates, who could torch defenses for long touchdowns one moment, then drop the easy pass the next. One of the best examples of the good was his five-catch, 206-yard performance against Alabama that included two long touchdowns.
Coates highlight reel is worth the price of admission, but the 19.1 percent drop rate is a major concern.
Why I like this pick:
The addition of another weapon for Ben Roethlisberger is never a bad thing, and with Markus Wheaton still yet to live up to his potential, and Darius Heyward-Bey penciled in as the Steelers fourth receiver, Coates has a chance to be an upgrade for both. There is no question a trio of Coates, Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant is exciting, and if Coates can find a way to be more consistent as a pass catcher, his addition could be huge.
Why I don’t like this pick:
With so many other needs, was it the right time to pick a receiver? Seems like a luxury pick to me, and one with a lot of risk. Personally, I really like Coates, but don’t know if it was a the right pick for the Steelers. The drops and miscues can be overcome in the frenetic offense ran at Auburn, it can’t in the NFL. The drops are a serious concern, and I am always skeptical that is something that can be fixed. The raw potential and poor route running can be coached, but bad hands can’t.
Grade: C+
