Getty Images
With the No. 22 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to snag an impact player on defense. The big debate seems to be between cornerback and pass rusher for the first-round choice. My vote is for the latter, and more specifically, former Virginia Cavaliers OLB Eli Harold.
The draft is pretty deep in both areas, but the group of pass rushers looks a little more top heavy. The drop off in talent from the first round to the second will probably smaller at cornerback. If Pittsburgh does indeed target its two biggest needs with its first two picks, aiming for a pass rusher first makes the most sense, especially if one as good as Harold is available.
The 6-foot-3, 247-pound prospect was flying under the radar until his spectacular performance at the NFL Combine at which he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds. He solidified his freak-athlete status by keeping up his numbers at an equally impressive UVA pro day.
Harold was also no slouch on the field. Last season as a junior he racked up 54 tackles, 14.5 for a loss and seven sacks. The year before he compiled 15 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks. The Steelers need to add a linebacker who can contribute to the pass rush now. James Harrison will be 37 when the season starts, and Jarvis Jones has been very disappointing in his first two seasons.
Pittsburgh ranked No. 26 in the NFL last season with just 33 sacks. That number has to get better in 2015. Sufficient pressure on the quarterback would also help the sub-par secondary. If Harold is on the board when Pittsburgh selects in the first round, the team can’t afford to pass up on him.
Aaron Charles is an NFL writer for www.rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @aaroncharleskc or add him to your network on Google
