Pittsburgh Steelers: Updated Draft Big Board After 1st Wave of Free Agency
The first wave of free agency has come and gone with little movement from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rather than explore the open market, general manager Kevin Colbert focused his attention on retaining his own players.
Prior to the start of free agency, Colbert re-signed Arthur Moats and Matt Spaeth as well as tendered the team’s three restricted free agents. The major news, though, came when the team announced a new five-year contract with Ben Roethlisberger.
With their most important contract out of the way, the Steelers focused their attention to add depth. Up first was DeAngelo Williams, who signed a two-year deal to back up Le’Veon Bell. However, they failed to address any of their needs on the defensive side—specifically the gaping holes at outside linebacker and cornerback.
One week of free agency has left the cupboard bare at both of these positions, meaning that the Steelers will have to look for bargain signings, as they did last year. Maybe Colbert will find another Arthur Moats or Brice McCain in free agency, but even if he does, these are only depth signings.
That puts the Steelers’ full focus on the draft, where they will have to utilize their early selections to improve their defensive personnel as well as continue to add talent to the offense. Part of their drafting process is building a draft board.
After one week of free agency, the Steelers’ draft board is beginning to take focus. Here is a preview of the top 10 players the Steelers will look at in the first round, with No. 1 representing the top player on their big board.
10. Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
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Height/Weight: 6’5”, 319 pounds
Ranking: No. 1 Offensive Guard (No. 8 Overall)
The Steelers have spent a number of high draft picks on the offensive line in recent years. From Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro in the first and Marcus Gilbert and Mike Adams in the second, the fruits of their labor are finally starting to show.
Under offensive line coach Mike Munchak, the offensive line finally began to live up to its potential last season. Not only did the line do an adequate job to protect Roethlisberger, but they also paved the way for Le’Veon Bell to have one of the best seasons of any running back in the NFL.
Set at virtually every position with a young lineman, the Steelers could complete the set by drafting Brandon Scherff in the first round. After one year as a swing backup, he would step in at left guard in place of Ramon Foster.
Scherff is arguably the top offensive lineman in this year’s draft and could be the final piece to the puzzle for the Steelers to have a dominant front five. As we saw last season, Pittsburgh’s offense was dominant when the offensive line performed at a high level.
Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com called Scherff an “absolute beast in the ground game” and said that moving inside “would hide his issues against speed rushers.” His power and willingness to play whistle-to-whistle would fit in well with Munchak’s coaching.
Although the offensive line is low on the priority list, envisioning the Steelers with an interior including Pouncey, DeCastro and Scherff is something that should excite fans of power football. Games are still won in the trenches, and Scherff would help a developing offensive line grow into an elite offensive line.
9. Landon Collins, S, Alabama
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Height/Weight: 6’0”, 228 pounds
Ranking: No. 1 Strong Safety (No. 15 Overall)
For years, the Steelers could boast one of the top safety tandems in the league with Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. Next year they may start Shamarko Thomas and Mike Mitchell.
Thomas is a relative unknown with only three defensive snaps played last season, per Football Outsiders. His best asset is his speed, but at only 5’9”, he is undersized and cannot match up against the tight ends and tall receivers that he will be forced to cover.
Mitchell was a disappointment in his first year after signing with the Steelers for $25 million. He was caught out of position, was called for too many penalties and lacked any significant splash plays. A groin injury, though, may have contributed to his struggles.
Although the Steelers may be satisfied with these two heading up the depth chart, the prospect of drafting the top safety prospect may be too tantalizing to pass up.
Landon Collins “is a tempo-setter who can energize a defense with his downhill, aggressive style,” according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. He plays very well near the line of scrimmage—especially against the run—but is susceptible in deep coverage.
The latter is the concern. With two in-the-box safeties already in the mix—three if Troy Polamalu returns—the Steelers may want one whose strength is coverage. But he may still be worth the risk because of his star potential.
Rob Rang and Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com believe that Collins can develop into a big-time safety:
"If allowed to attack, Collins' aggression, physicality and knack for creating big plays could lead to him becoming a star in the NFL. He isn't a top-notch cover safety, however, and therefore should be complemented with other speedier options in the secondary.
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With Thomas and Mitchell fitting the speed options, Collins may be the missing piece in the secondary.
8. Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
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Height/Weight: 6’0”, 197 pounds
Ranking: No. 1 Cornerback (No. 12 Overall)
Marcus Peters says that he is a changed man. But talk is cheap, and it is up to the Steelers’ organization to see if he is worth the character risk to select with their top pick.
Peters is a special talent, so when he was kicked off Washington’s football team, you knew it had to be something significant. In retrospect, it may have done him good, according to his father Michael Peters, via Tom Pelissero of USA Today:
"He owned up to a lot of things," Michael Peters said. "He had a lot of time to think about it. Taking football away from him hurt him. Just coming home, getting settled back down, being around his kid—now he knows he's playing for a whole lot more than just himself.
As NFL teams evaluate Peters’ character, Washington’s coaching staff has apparently forgiven him, as he will participate in the team’s pro day on April 2. If the Steelers buy into Peters as well, he would make a fine selection in the first round.
In need of upgrading their talent at cornerback, Peters has the potential to develop into a No. 1 and even start as a rookie.
Peters played 35 games for Washington and produced 11 interceptions, including three in nine games last season. He has ideal size to play the position and not only is strong in coverage, but he is physical enough to step up in run support.
To succeed in the NFL, Peters will have to get over his issues that led to an ejection from a game, suspension and eventual dismissal from the team. However, head coach Chris Petersen is willing to recommend Peters to any NFL team.
Peters is the classic case of talent versus character and one that the Steelers must closely study before making a decision.
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7. Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
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Height/Weight: 6’4”, 249 pounds
Ranking: No. 1 Tight End (No. 28 Overall)
With no pressing needs, Maxx Williams would help make an already talented offense even deeper. As the top tight end in the draft, he would provide the Steelers with a true receiving threat behind Heath Miller.
The 32-year old Heath Miller is coming off a productive season, but he will slow down at some point, and Williams would make for an ideal replacement. He is already a talented receiver and has plus potential as a blocker.
These are the types of attributes that the Steelers expect from their top tight end. Luckily for them, his relatively slow 40 time may scare off other teams from selecting him in the first round. Despite being timed at 4.78 seconds, Williams plays much faster on film, which is backed up by his production.
Williams averaged 15.8 yards per reception last season and 16.7 yards per reception during his freshman year. He is a threat in the red zone as well, with 13 career touchdowns. Overall, 82 percent of his receptions went for a first down or touchdown.
Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com compares Williams to Jason Witten and says, “Williams has the frame, athleticism and ball skills at the position to start quickly in the NFL and carve out a Witten-like career as a pro.”
Williams can help make an already talented offense even better by offering an additional target over the middle of the field and in the red zone.
6. Alvin “Bud” Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
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Ranking: No. 4 Edge-Rusher (No. 19 Overall)
A strong performance by Alvin “Bud” Dupree was only the appetizer for the Steelers as Mike Tomlin and Joey Porter took a closer look at the edge-defender prospect at Kentucky’s pro day, per Scott Brown of ESPN.com.
It makes sense that the Steelers wanted to take a closer look at Dupree, as he is one of the most puzzling prospects in this draft. His workout numbers were extremely impressive given his size. A 4.56 in the 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical and 138-inch broad jump highlighted his speed and explosiveness, but there are concerns with his production.
A team captain, Dupree has high character and was a productive member of Kentucky’s defense with 74 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and one interception. However, his production did not match his potential, according to Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, via Scott Brown of ESPN.com:
"You look at him in paper and say he’s a top-15 pick, at worst a top-25 pick, but I didn’t see consistent domination, and I saw some instances where there was a little bit of a lack of great instincts to find the ball. To me he’s a first-round pick, but you want to see if you can make him more consistent. As a pass-rusher you turn him loose with that skill set, he flashed it.
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Lance Zierlein of NFL.com echoed that sentiment:
"Dupree is an explosive, powerful athlete with a background in basketball. While he's been productive at Kentucky, his tape doesn't always do his potential justice. He must continue to improve as a pass rusher, but his traits are undeniable. Difference between being good and great might be his coordinator.
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Pittsburgh may miss out on the two or three pass-rushers, but as the No. 19-ranked prospect by Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, he will be in range for the Steelers to select him in the first round.
5. Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
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Height/Weight: 6’0”, 186 pounds
Ranking: No. 4 Cornerback (No. 29 Overall)
For nearly two decades, the Steelers have avoided selecting a cornerback in the first round. Chad Scott in 1997 was the last time they addressed the position with their top pick, and that could once again be the case if Trae Waynes is available.
Ike Taylor, a former fourth-round draft pick, is the last shutdown cornerback that the Steelers have had on their defense. As well as he played against the opposition’s top receivers, he had only 14 interceptions in 12 seasons. Adding a playmaker to the secondary would be a welcomed change.
Trae Waynes ran himself to the top of the crop of cornerbacks with an outstanding 4.31 seconds in the 40-yard dash, but it is his play that caught the attention of scouts. Last season, he had three interceptions and eight passes defensed.
As a result, Waynes may not be in reach for the Steelers when they are on the clock in the first round. According to his former defensive coordinator (and current Pitt head coach) Pat Narduzzi, the Steelers would have to trade up to select Waynes, via Scott Brown of ESPN.com:
""A lot of the guys I talked to today asked questions about him, and it sounds like he’s going to go in the top 10 or top 15 picks so (the Steelers) may have to trade up," Narduzzi said.
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That may be worth the risk for the Steelers, as they would be impressed with not only Waynes’ speed, but also his height. At over six feet, he has the size to compete against the taller receivers that he will face. Rob Rang of CBSSports.com highlights this fact in one of his recent mock drafts:
"New defensive coordinator Keith Butler inherits a unit that finished 26th in the NFL against the pass, according to Pro Football Focus. None of the teams ranked worse made the playoffs. After heavy investments in the front seven over the past several years, the Steelers may turn to the secondary, especially if a talent like Waynes is still available. Waynes has the length, athleticism and ball skills teams are looking for, though his slim frame (6-0, 186) is a concern that could keep him out of the top 20.
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Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com compares Waynes to Kyle Fuller, a potential draft target last season, but points out that Waynes must add bulk and play with more discipline once in the NFL.
4. Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
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Height/Weight: 6’5”, 235 pounds
Ranking: No. 2 Edge-Rusher (No. 6 Overall)
Why is one of the top-10 prospects in the entire draft only the No. 4 prospect on the Steelers’ big board? It is a combination of Randy Gregory’s lack of bulk and time needed to develop.
Gregory is as talented as any other prospect in the draft and may have the most upside of any of them, but at 6’5” and only 235 pounds, he can afford to add another 20 to 25 pounds to effectively play in Pittsburgh’s defense.
Although Gregory’s tall, lean frame may have worked in college, he will have a tough time against the powerful offensive tackles in the NFL. Along with his raw abilities, he is too much of a project to warrant a top-10 selection. However, selecting him at No. 22 is a different story.
Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com calls Gregory an “instinctive” player who knows when to use his “repertoire of moves.” His ability to rush the quarterback with more than just his speed and natural athletic abilities gives him an edge over some of the other prospects in the draft.
However, his frame is reminiscent of Dion Jordan—though he is over 10 pounds lighter—and this is a concern. A lack of strength will deter him at beating tackles when rushing the quarterback and prevent him from setting the edge in defending the run.
That is not to say he cannot stop the run or eventually develop into a top pass-rusher. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had the following to say about Gregory:
A 3-4 outside linebacker with the length, toughness and closing burst to immediately help a run defense. Gregory could stand to add more weight to his frame and needs plenty of technique work and a patient coach for his pass-rush skill to match his traits. High-ceiling, low-floor prospect.
After a week of free agency, Jarvis Jones and Arthur Moats are the only two outside linebackers that the Steelers have with playing experience.
Moats played well in spot duty, but it is unknown how he can perform as a full-time starter, and the same could be said about Jones. He has struggled through injuries so far in his career and has yet to even tap into his potential.
Gregory could step in as a situational pass-rusher as a rookie where the Steelers would hope that he could eventually replicate the 17.5 sacks he put up while at Nebraska.
3. Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
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Height/Weight: 6’3”, 245 pounds
Ranking: No. 3 Edge-Rusher (No. 11 Overall)
Shane Ray is the type of player around whom a team could build a defense.
In a season in which he produced 14.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for a loss, Ray earned the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and was named first-team All-America. That alone would catch the attention of NFL scouts, but it’s his athleticism that separates Ray from the other prospects.
An injury prevented him from working out at the combine, but that should not be held against Ray. His athleticism was on full display on film. He is quick off the line and likes to wreak havoc in the backfield, though it is a result of his raw physical abilities rather than technique.
Given his lack of size, this may pose problems in the NFL, especially if he were to play on the left side of Pittsburgh’s defense. That should not deter the Steelers from looking at him, as he was an explosive player on Missouri’s defense, and he projects well to the NFL.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes there are more strengths than weaknesses to Ray’s game:
"It's hard to find many play weaknesses for Ray, but his lack of overall length is one area that some teams have concerns about. He pursues the quarterback and the ball like it's his last snap. An alpha male packaged in an explosive frame, Ray has the traits and skills to be a dominant pass rusher and potential Pro Bowler. He also has the athleticism and strength to play in any defensive front.
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However, not everyone is a fan. One scout told Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he couldn’t see Ray succeeding as an outside linebacker:
"I don't like him," the scout said. "People see who he is, they're going to fall off him quick. The body structure. No way in hell he can be an outside backer. Competitive, smart and reliable. Wins with effort, urgency and great first step. He has a degree of stiffness. He's got to win with quickness because of his lack of size and strength."
Expect the Steelers to disagree with this assessment and strongly consider Ray if he is available in the first round.
2. Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
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Height/Weight: 6’3”, 246 pounds
Ranking: No. 5 Edge-Rusher (No. 21 Overall)
There were some questions regarding Vic Beasley entering the combine, but he seemed to have answered them all and then some.
Beasley dazzled coaches and scouts with his 4.53 in the 40-yard dash while posting top results in every other combine drill. Perhaps the most surprising result was his 35 reps in the bench press. Everyone knew that he was an explosive athlete, but to demonstrate that type of strength was a bonus.
Even with a strong showing at the combine, Beasley is still first and foremost a pass-rusher and will struggle to set the edge against the run. Normally, the Steelers would shy away from that type of player, but his first step is so explosive that they can live with him being a one-trick pony.
Beasley’s one trick is truly exceptional, as he had 33 sacks, 52.5 tackles for a loss and 29 quarterback hurries in his four years at Clemson. Besides disrupting plays behind the line of scrimmage, he forced seven fumbles and had 11 pass breakups.
Although a naturally talented pass-rusher, Scott Brown of ESPN.com addressed an important issue—Beasley’s size: “Would the Steelers take a chance on another pass-rusher who is a similar size to Jones in the first round of the draft?”
The answer to Brown’s question is yes, the Steelers would take a chance based on Beasley’s potential as a pass-rusher alone. He is one of the elite pass-rushing prospects in this draft and will be have the attention of many teams come draft day.
Mike Mayock of NFL Media may have put it best when it comes to Beasley, via Brown of ESPN.com: “I know one thing," Mayock said of Beasley, "he’s got an ability, a natural quickness and innate ability to rush the quarterback.”
That is exactly the type of player that the Steelers need on their defense and one that they would not pass up if available in the draft.
1. Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
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Height/Weight: 6’3”, 261 pounds
Ranking: No. 1 Edge-Rusher (No. 5 Overall)
Every so often in the NFL draft, there is a perfect match between prospect and team. This year, that match is between the Steelers and Dante Fowler Jr.
The versatile defender from Florida is not only one of the top prospects in this year’s draft, but he would also fill Pittsburgh’s most pressing need at outside linebacker. His combination of size, strength, speed and production will make him one of the most sought-after players in the draft.
As team a team captain and defensive MVP at Florida, Fowler was a force behind the line of scrimmage. Last season, he had 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss as well as 17 quarterback hurries. With NFL coaching, he could not only replicate, but improve on these numbers.
Without a proven commodity to start at outside linebacker, Fowler would be an ideal prospect to work with new defensive coordinator Keith Butler. Not only could Butler use Fowler from the outside, but could take advantage of his experience playing inside linebacker and rushing with one hand in the dirt—after he masters his first position, of course.
Mike Huguenin of NFL.com joined David Todd on 970 ESPN in Pittsburgh and told him that the Steelers should be “ecstatic” if Fowler fell to No. 22:
"I don’t think he’ll be there, but if I’m a Steelers fan I’d be salivating about this guy. I live in Florida, I saw this kid play in high school, I’ve seen him play all three years at Florida. He is a freakish athlete for a guy with that kind of bulk. He loves football, he’s got a great motor. Pretty instinctual. Can play with his hand in the dirt. Can play outside linebacker. He’s dropped into coverage. They’ve moved him all around. He’s rushed as a middle linebacker at times this season. Very versatile player, very good football IQ, very good motor. If the Steelers got him, I think their fans should be ecstatic.
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Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes that Fowler’s best fit will be as a strong-side linebacker in a 3-4 defense where he “has a Pro Bowl ceiling with double-digit sack potential.”
Fowler is one of the few players in the draft that the Steelers would consider trading up to draft. He has the potential to be the franchise pass-rusher that Pittsburgh’s defense has been missing.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of Sports-Reference.com, all combine results are courtesy of the NFL.com Combine Tracker, all draft rankings are courtesy of Matt Miller of Bleacher Report and all roster information is courtesy of Steelers.com.
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