With the NFL draft set to begin April 30, there seems to be little question that the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to focus on the defensive side of the ball early and often. Even with a number of young players set to play prominent roles in the Steeler defense such as Jarvis Jones, Shamarko Thomas, Ryan Shazier and Stephon Tuitt, the need to add talent will be a top priority.
What we do know is many of the key components of one of the top defenses in the NFL for the past decade are now gone, and it’s very possible that only linebackers James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons, along with cornerback William Gay will be left from the 2010 Super Bowl team.
In spite of the changes, the defending AFC North champions head into the 2015 campaign with the usual lofty expectations. Adding to the defense through the draft will be vital if the Steelers hope to take another step towards winning their seventh Lombardi Trophy.
Let’s take a look at some possible positional targets for the Steelers in the early rounds:
Defensive Line (nose tackle): Though the Steelers have incumbent starter Steve McClendon and drafted Daniel McCullers last year, there is reason to believe the Steelers might be looking to upgrade the nose tackle position specifically. Free agent signee Cam Thomas proved to a bust last season and looks relegated to back up duties at defensive end.
McClendon has been solid when healthy, but one could make the argument that he’s not a natural fit as a 3-4 nose tackle. McCullers showed some promise in limited playing time last season, but the sixth-round pick might not be capable of stepping in and be a reliable starter in the mold of Casey Hampton.
Therein lies the problem; since the departure of Hampton, the Steelers have struggled to find that anchor inside who can take on multiple blockers and free up Steeler linebackers to make plays all over the field. Do not be shocked if the right player to fill that void slips down the Steelers grab him with the 22nd pick.
If Malcom Brown of Texas or Eddie Goldman of Florida State are available when the Steelers pick, the temptation to pick them may be too great for Kevin Colbert. Both players are strong on the point and capable of coming in and making an impact early. More importantly, with McClendon’s injury history and age, the Steeler could have their nose tackle problem solved for years to come.
Linebacker: Heard this tune before? Yes, I know Steeler fans, Colbert and company have spent first-round picks on linebackers the past two seasons in Jones and Shazier, and neither have met early expectations. However, with the Steelers still thin at outside linebacker even with the re-signing of Arthur Moats and James Harrison, would it really shock anyone if the Steelers plucked an OLB with pass rushing skills early?
It would not shock yours truly, and if some of the mock drafts out there are indicative, there is a distinct possibility that’s exactly what will happen. Let’s face it, Jones heads into his third season on the verge of being a labeled a full-blown bust, Moats is a serviceable veteran, but is limited as a starter. Though I am big believer in Harrison, is it safe to assume the soon to be 37-year-old can get the job done for a full season?
Tough questions to answer, but be sure that the Steelers are looking hard at three potential first round picks; Virginia’s Eli Herold, Kentucky’s Alvin Dupree and UCLA DE/OLB Owamagbe Odighizuwa. All three are known for their athleticism and fit as 3-4 pass rushing specialists. Best case scenario might be snagging one of these young talents and hope that Jones has the lightbulb go off i the 2015 season. That could mean a pass rushing combo at OLB the Steelers have not had since Lamarr Woodley and Harrison terrorized opponents.
Cornerback: Yes, Steeler Nation, I did not forget about corners. With Ike Taylor and Brice McCain gone, not to mention serious questions surrounding Cortez Allen after his nightmare of a season, it seems logical to think the Steelers will take multiple defensive backs in the draft. The question really becomes will they take one in the first round?
At one point, Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes looked to be a no-brainer. However, after a ridiculous performance at the NFL combine, there is virtually no chance he will be available when the Steelers pick. Would the Steelers trade up to get him? I would, but don’t expect Colbert to agree with me. So that means if Wayney is gone, is there really a player at the cornerback position worth a first-round pick?
University of Washington cornerback Marcus Peters might be available, and he’s an incredible talent. However, he is also a major risk because of serious character concerns. In fact, his behavior was so bad that he was kicked off the Huskies last season. Do the Steelers really want to roll the dice if Peters is still on the board?
Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson might be on the Steelers radar. Johnson is a smooth cover corner who started 41 games for the Demon Deacons, and is considered the safest pick once Waynes is off the board. There are some questions with Johnson however, including being a little small (six-foot, 188 lbs) and he does not possess top flight speed for the position (4.51 in 40 at combine).
Finally, keep an eye on LSU’s Jalen Collins as a sleeper pick. His skill set fits the Steelers quite well and he’s rising up the draft boards after being considered more of a second- or third-round pick before the combine.
