Pittsburgh Steelers: Complete 2015 NFL Draft Wrap-Up and Analysis

When we look back at the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2015 NFL draft, we might look at this as one of the best drafts this team has had under general manager Kevin Colbert. Whereas in past drafts Pittsburgh’s picks seemed forced and reactionary, the 2015 draft flowed, and everything seemed very natural and organic.

In terms of strategy, defense was the word. The past two seasons, the Steelers failed to rank in the top 10 in either points or yards allowed. The last time this happened? 1999. The Steelers staff took these things to heart and worked hard to build this defense back to its glory.

Not every pick in this draft was perfect. However, it is reasonable to look at these eight players and believe that half of them will be starters within the first couple of years in the league.

So let’s take a quick look back at the highlights and lowlights of the Steelers' 2015 NFL draft.

The Selections

I can’t imagine the Steelers really thought when the first round started that Kentucky linebacker Alvin “Bud” Dupree would still be on the board at pick No. 22. However, good fortune smiled down on the Steelers, and they have one of the best all-around rush linebackers in the entire draft. This was easily the team’s top need, so it was a perfect marriage of top talent and need in a single pick.

The Steelers hit the defensive backs hard, using three of eight selections for the defensive secondary. Mississippi cornerback Senquez Golson and Ohio State’s Doran Grant are both ball-hawking coverage specialists who fit well in zone-heavy schemes. Pittsburgh closed out the draft with Louisville safety Gerod Holliman. He struggled as a tackler, but you can’t undersell 14 interceptions as a deep safety.

The offense was addressed with Auburn wide receiver Sammie Coates and Penn State tight end Jesse James. Both guys are physical marvels drafted in order to provide depth at their respective positions.

Pittsburgh drafted two additional defensive linemen as well. Miami’s Anthony Chickillo is a defensive end who should convert to a pass-rushing outside linebacker, and Central Michigan defensive tackle Leterrius Walton is a physical freak who can play all along the defensive front.

Best Pick

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This one is easy. The addition of Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree is a no-brainer. Of all the players in this draft who could help this team as a rookie and down the road, it is the Kentucky star. At 6’4”, 269 pounds Dupree is a huge, dominating prospect. The Steelers have had to deal with substandard linebacker play for some time, so Dupree is the cure.

Look for Dupree to start as part of a rotation at outside linebacker with James Harrison and Arthur Moats. He will need to get up to speed as far as coverage assignments and run support from the outside linebacker position, but when he lines up to rush the passer, he’s going to make Steelers fans happy.

This pick is an easy "A+." After swinging and missing on Jarvis Jones in 2013, Pittsburgh knocked it out of the park with Dupree.

Worst Pick

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While none of the picks this year could be deemed terrible, the selection of Mississippi cornerback Senquez Golson might be the most puzzling. Golson is a solid player with some nice tools. However, drafting him in the second round with the other talent on the board is more difficult to reconcile. 

And in hindsight, when you see that the Steelers were able to draft Ohio State cornerback Doran Grant two rounds later, it puts the selection of Golson further into question.

In terms of talent and value, the Golson pick gets a "B-".  It's not a bad score by any means, but this was the one pick of the entire draft that felt forced and not a good choice by the Steelers. It will be interesting to keep an eye on some of the other players selected shortly after Golson to compare down the line.

What the Experts Are Saying

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN 

"

I know they had needs in the secondary, but the Pittsburgh defense really has needs at all three levels, and a more consistent pass rush is the first step toward helping mask question marks in the secondary.

I had Bud Dupree going off the board as high as No. 8 overall to Atlanta -- a pick I would not have knocked -- so getting him at No. 22 is great value. (He was No. 13 on my Big Board.)

"

Todd McShay, ESPN (via triblive.com)

In discussing Dupree, McShay said, "His workout numbers are ridiculous. God only makes a handful of these type of guys, so you have the tools there to develop."

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com

CBS Sports Pete Prisco gave the Steelers an "A+" for their first-round pick of Dupree.

Chris Burke of SI.com

"

The Pittsburgh defensive approach also could make Dupree an impact defender right away—he's a strong, athletic force outside, at his best when he can pin his ears back and get downhill. The Steelers will be able to use him in coverage, as well, which obviously adds to his value.

The main knock (and the reason he dipped out of the top 10 down to this pick) is that he is very raw. That's true both about his counter-moves when he's blocked and his ability to diagnose a play. The upside is through the roof.

"

What's Left to Address?

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Honestly, things have fallen into place fairly well for the Steelers. The Steelers have filled their roster adequately with this draft and taken care of all of their major needs. Pittsburgh might consider some roster moves post-June 1 to get a bit more salary-cap relief that might mean they reach out to some cheaper veterans at positions like defensive line or cornerback.

The one spot where the Steelers could actively seek out a young player is running back. There can never be enough competition for spots on the running back depth chart. With Le’Veon Bell facing a three-game suspension, the Steelers need to have a running back in place to back up DeAngelo Williams.

Final Grade

Butch Dill/Associated Press

Overall, I have a hard time giving this draft anything but a solid "B+". The third day could have gone better, and I still question selecting Golson so early, but players such as Dupree, wide receiver Sammie Coates and Grant make this a solid class. If seventh-round safety Gerod Holliman can develop into a ball-hawking deep safety, this grade will go up even more.

Any other prospects selected who develop into star players are just bonus assets. James and Golson both have the potential to be starters if everything falls just right, and the sky is the limit for Chickillo. In the final analysis, this draft went about as smoothly as any Steelers draft has in the past three seasons.