#1 Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky-The Steelers were expected to go for defense in this year's draft and they didn't disappoint, taking 6 defensive players out of 8. However, many thought their #1 pick would go to a cornerback, helping the depleted secondary. Instead, the Steelers drafted a LB #1 for the third straight year. The 6' 4" 269 lb. Dupree was ranked 36th in Sports Illustrated's 300 rankings of their NFL Draft Preview issue. The speedy Dupree (his 4.56 40 at the Combine was 2nd fastest among linebackers) recorded 45 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles for the Wildcats last season. His 23.5 career sacks rank 2nd in KU history. The former Kentucky captain is described as a "football junkie" by Coach Mike Tomlin. SI had him pegged to go in the 1st round at #24 to Arizona.
#2 Senquez Golson, CB, Mississippi-This may be a stretch pick for the Steelers. Golson himself did not expect to go so high. At 5' 9", and 179 lbs. could this have been a desperation pick by GM Kevin Colbert and Coach Tomlin? All the top-rated corners were already off the board. Golson was ranked at #91 by SI. Another product of the SEC, Golson registered 33 tackles, 10 interceptions and 8 passes defended last year. His 10 picks were the most of any Division I cornerback. Although a smallish corner, the Steelers are said to love his ball-hawking ability.
#3 Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn-The Steelers nab another SEC alum only this time it was on offense. At 6' 1" 212 lbs., Coates has the size and the speed that the Steelers need. The 3-year starter finished last season with 34 receptions for 741 yards and 4 touchdowns good for a ranking of #66 by SI. He finished his career at Auburn with 13 touchdowns and 7 100-yard games. The Steelers project him as a slot man. However, he tends to suffer from the dropsies and will need to overcome that affliction if he hopes to crack the receiving corps.
#4 Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State-SI's 136th player registered 49 tackles, 5 interceptions and 9 passes defensed for the national champions. At 5' 10", 200 lbs., he's looked at as another smallish corner. He does have an ability to make plays, finishing his career in Columbus with 146 tackles, 110 solo, 9 interceptions, 1 sack, and 20 broken up passes. He is said to be a good, physical tackler with an eye for the ball.
#5 Jesse James, TE, Penn State-The 6' 7", 261 lb. McKeesport native was ranked by SI at #139. He started every game for the Nittany Lions in 2013 and 2014. His 2014 numbers were 38 receptions for 396 yards and 3 touchdowns. He broke the Penn State tight end record by scoring 11 touchdowns for his career. The knock on him is his blocking ability. Hopefully, Heath Miller will take him under his wing and start groom to James as his replacement.
#6 LT Walton, DE, Central Michigan-The first of the Steelers 2 6th round picks, Walton was ranked at #173 by SI. The 6' 5", 319 lb. Walton recorded 19 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble for CMU last season. He was a starter in 30 of his 54 career games and is said to be a force on the defensive line. He finished his collegiate career with 146 tackles (110 solo), 9 interceptions, 1 sack, 4 TFLs and broke up 20 passes.
#7 Anthony Chickillo, OLB, Miami-Not ranked by SI but does have the lineage. Both his grandfather and father played for Miami and in the NFL. At 6' 3", 267 lbs. played DE in college but is expected to make the switch to OLB. Started 47 of 50 games for Miami, finishing his career with 170 tackles, 89 solo, 29 for loss. He also forced 2 fumbles, recovered 5 and broke up 5 passes.
#8 Gerod Holliman, FS, Louisville-Holliman was ranked at #65 by SI. He recorded 34 tackles, 14 interceptions and 3 passes defended last season. Stands at 6' 0" and 218 lbs. Won the Thorpe Award as the nation's best DB in 2014. Was also named first-team All-American and first-team All-ACC. His 14 interceptions were best in FBS and tied the single-season mark. There is concern regarding his tackling ability.
There you have it. The breakdown on this year's draft picks. Will they all stick? Probably not. Considering the Steelers went big on the defensive picks, it's important that many of them do stick around and pan out and help return the Steelers defense to respectability and Super Bowl glory. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
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