Pittsburgh Steelers: Updated 7-Round Predictions for 2015 NFL Draft

Now that the New England Patriots have put a cap on the NFL season, attention can turn fully to the 2015 NFL draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers had a successful season, coming off of back-to-back 8-8 marks to win the AFC North. However, there looks to be some significant turnover this offseason, so the draft is going to be pivotal for continued success.

So with that, let’s break down a brand new, full seven-round projection for the Steelers. And yes, before you comment, I double-dipped some of these positions. With pass-rushing outside linebacker and cornerback so vital to this team’s success, a single pick may not suffice.

Another important factor in this projection is that the Steelers are likely to get at least two decent supplemental draft picks, which will help. The Steelers do need to address the depth on the offensive line and at running back, but there will be picks for that by the time the draft gets here.

In addition, while a trade isn't projected, it is quite possible that it happens. The Steelers have some significant needs, and going over possible scenarios, there is a real chance that the spots they need most could be cleaned out. If so, a move back could yield comparable talent.

All player data courtesy of the college football section of Sports-Reference.com.

1st Round

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The Pick: Eli Harold, DE/LB Virginia

When the Steelers go on the clock in the first round, their big board should be littered with a mix of cornerbacks and edge-rushers. The trick will be deciding which position and player to target. Weighing the value of both positions at this point—and the depth of each—an edge player should be the pick here.

If you haven’t heard of Virginia defensive end/linebacker Eli Harold, just wait a minute. Harold is going to become a hot name in the coming months. If Harold didn’t play for lowly Virginia, he would be a household name. Harold is one of the most explosive edge-rushers in the country, possessing a tremendous first step and exceptional balance.

Harold would be a tremendous fit for the Steelers because not only can he create serious disruption in the backfield, but he’s big enough at 250 pounds to hold up against the run. Harold has a great punch off of the snap, and he can clear out larger tackles with ease. In a hybrid 3-4 front, Harold would be an excellent weapon.

2nd Round

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The Pick: Ronald Darby, CB Florida State

Moving to the second round, the Steelers snatch up their first defensive back of this draft. There was a time when Florida State cornerback Ronald Darby had the look of a first-round pick. Unfortunately, some off-field concerns and inconsistent play have muddied up his draft stock.

However, if the Steelers could get Darby in the second round, he is more than worth the risk. Darby has elite speed and acceleration, and he shows exceptional polish in coverage. Darby does a nice job finding the football in the air and knocking it away.

The one part of Darby’s game that needs work is his strength—specifically in press-man coverage. Fortunately, the Steelers don’t play a ton of press, so what would be a major knock for Darby on some teams is only a small one here.

3rd Round

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The Pick: Jeff Heuerman, TE Ohio State

With cornerback and outside linebacker in the bank, the Steelers can take the third round to go for the best player on the board. It just so happens that the best player on the board could also fill a significant need.

Ohio State tight end Jeff Heuerman is a fascinating NFL prospect. If all you do is scout the box scores, you won’t see the value in Heuerman as a third-round pick; however, you put on the film, and it tells a different story. Heuerman is a big, powerful blocker and a sneaky good athlete.

At Ohio State, Heuerman lined up everywhere. Whether it was in-line as a blocker, split wide or even in the backfield, Heuerman flashed a lot of NFL potential. Heuerman has strong hands and great body control. He consistently went up and fought for the football.

He just didn’t see enough targets. Heuerman would make an excellent heir to Heath Miller, whenever he decides to hang up his cleats.

4th Round

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The Pick: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB Oregon

Now, understand that this projection draws on history, not on current information. Recovery from a serious knee injury is obviously going to impact his draft status; however, the exact extent of that influence is impossible to know for sure.

Nevertheless, if Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is on the board when the Steelers pick in the fourth round, they simply must draft him. Ekpre-Olomu gets dinged for his size (5'10"), but when you watch him play, his height rarely factors. That’s because Ekpre-Olomu is a physical cornerback with exceptional athleticism and a real knack for the big play.

Getting Darby and following it up with Ekpre-Olomu would be a best-case scenario for the Steelers secondary. Drafting the former Duck would give the Steelers the flexibility to try Darby at safety, if needed.

5th Round

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The Pick: Erick Dargan, Safety Oregon

Back-to-back Oregon players as the Steelers come back on the clock in the fifth round. Pittsburgh continues to hedge its bets with another defensive back. Erick Dargan is an excellent strong safety prospect with nice size and an aggressive style of play.

Drafting Dargan at this point would be terrific value. If the Steelers and safety Troy Polamalu part ways, there will be a spot for another strong safety on the depth chart. Dargan is adequate in coverage, but he is known much more for his ability to intimidate wide receivers and finish plays with big hits.

Another aspect of Dargan’s game that is especially appealing to the Steelers is his ability to create turnovers. During his four seasons at Oregon, Dargan accounted for 17 total turnovers, 13 of which were interceptions. This is tremendous for a strong safety with limited range. It really illustrates his ball skills.

6th Round

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The Pick: Austin Hill, WR Arizona

Even though the Steelers have a great trio of wide receivers, that doesn’t preclude them from adding one more in this draft. Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant turned into one of the most productive groups in the NFL. That was due in large part to Brown's talent.

However, there’s a real chance that both Lance Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey will be gone, leaving a need on the depth chart. Why not see that void filled by a rookie with real upside as opposed to yet another midtier veteran.

The easy pick here is Arizona’s Austin Hill. Hill has essentially lost almost two seasons since he was one of the best wide receivers in the Pac-12. Since Hill’s injury, he has reinvented his body and his game, and he is now a powerful slot receiver with the body of a running back. 

7th Round

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The Pick: Ryan Russell, DE Purdue

By the time you get to the end of the draft, you can really go in any direction and not go wrong. My philosophy is to go for one of two types of players this late. First, you get the productive college player that slid due to external circumstances, such as being from a small school or coming off of an injury. The other type of the player is the one that passes the eyeball test, looks the part but just hasn’t been able to find the production to match.

For Pittsburgh, let’s go with option two and Purdue defensive end Ryan Russell. Russell is a rock solid 6’5”, 273-pound defensive end with a lean muscular build. Russell certainly looks like he could play just as well at 265 pounds as he could at 285 pounds, which really makes him appealing to Pittsburgh.

With a new hybrid front, a player like Russell could flourish. Russell isn’t likely to be a big pass-rush threat but rather a run-stuffing defensive end in sub packages. This late in the draft, there’s no risk in drafting a physical specimen like Russell.