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Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2015 NFL Draft Grades

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Pittsburgh Steelers' 2015 NFL Draft Grades

Bud Dupree Pittsburgh Steelers 2015 NFL Draft
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The 2015 NFL Draft is over, and it’s time to grade out the picks of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh had eight draft picks and used six of those on the defensive side of the ball in an attempt to get younger. They found some great value picks in the later rounds that will probably see playing time right away. The defensive secondary and pass rush are going to be very much improved coming out of this draft.

First Round, No. 22 Overall – Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky

Bud Dupree OLB Kentucky Tackle
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First Round, No. 22 Overall – Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky

Bud Dupree OLB Kentucky Tackle
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Pittsburgh got a tremendous value by getting Bud Dupree, as he was projected to as high as No. 8 overall. Dupree is a freak athlete who has shown the ability to sack the QB. Pittsburgh hasn’t seen much production at the LB position despite investing their first-round picks in the 2013 and 2014 NFL Drafts at the position. The Steelers will need to get develop better at the LB position if Dupree hopes to transition into NFL.

Grade: B+

Second Round, No. 56 Overall – Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss

Senquez Golson Ole Miss CB Interception
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Second Round, No. 56 Overall – Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss

Senquez Golson Ole Miss CB Interception
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The knock on Senquez Golson is that he’s only 5-foot-9. Golson has terrific ball skills and attacks throws with the intent to cause turnovers. Despite being shorter than desired, Golson is very strong for his size and is more than willing to help against the run. He won’t miss tackles. The question with Golson will be his size and if he can remain injury free.

Grade: B+

Third Round, No. 87 Overall – Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Sammie Coates WR Auburn
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Third Round, No. 87 Overall – Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Sammie Coates WR Auburn
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Sammie Coates projects to be a WR similar to current Steeler Martavis Bryant. Coates is athletic, fast and strong. He can get behind CBs but is also able to stop routes short when given space. Coates is prone to dropping passes. This pick is curious because of the depth at the position and the other glaring needs Pittsburgh has on defense.

Grade: B-

Fourth Round, No. 121 Overall – Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State

Doran Grant CB Ohio State Interception
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Fourth Round, No. 121 Overall – Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State

Doran Grant CB Ohio State Interception
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This is an excellent pick. Doran Grant is the second good tackling CB the Steelers took in this draft. Grant might not be big enough to go one on one with bigger WRs. As a CB, he is probably more suited toward being used as a slot CB. Pittsburgh has already talked about moving Grant to safety.

Grade: B+

Fifth Round, No. 160 Overall – Jesse James, TE, Penn State

Jesse James TE Penn State
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Fifth Round, No. 160 Overall – Jesse James, TE, Penn State

Jesse James TE Penn State
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Jesse James isn’t going to surprise people with his athleticism. He is a good receiver who can create some separation in man and will find the open spots in zone coverage. James is an average run blocker and must get better if he hopes to see the field in the NFL. With Heath Miller there to tutor James, Pittsburgh fans should be hopeful that he will be able to hone his skills.

Grade: C+

Sixth Round, No. 199 Overall - Leterrius Walton, DL, Central Michigan

Leterrius Walton DL Central Michigan
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Sixth Round, No. 199 Overall - Leterrius Walton, DL, Central Michigan

Leterrius Walton DL Central Michigan
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Leterrius Walton is a defensive project. He’s extremely athletic as a former baseball and basketball player. Walton also converted to the DL from the OL. He is already pretty good against the run, chasing RBs down the line and holding his gap assignment. Walton will need to be coached up to get more effective and become a smarter player.

Grade: B

Sixth Round, No. 212 Overall – Anthony Chickillo, DE/OLB, Miami

Anthony Chickillo DE Miami
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Sixth Round, No. 212 Overall – Anthony Chickillo, DE/OLB, Miami

Anthony Chickillo DE Miami
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Chickillo didn’t stand out in any one area during his time at Miami, but that’s not a bad thing. His ability to help against the run, be an effective pass rusher and have enough athleticism to drop back in zone coverage should help him find the field in the NFL.

Grade: B

Seventh Round, No. 239 Overall – Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville

Gerod Holliman S Louisville
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Seventh Round, No. 239 Overall – Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville

Gerod Holliman S Louisville
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Gerod Holliman is a ball-hawking safety who relies on instinct and can make plays in the secondary. However, he is just a flat out awful tackler. With Pittsburgh drafting Grant and Golson, two good tackling DBs, the pick of Holliman makes sense as the other DBs could cover up his deficiencies.

Grade: B-

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