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Ranking the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2015 Draft Picks From Worst To First

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Ranking the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2015 Draft Picks From Worst to First

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The 2015 NFL Draft is over, and the Pittsburgh Steelers selected eight players throughout the seven rounds. Now it's time to rank those picks so Pittsburgh fans know who to expect to help the team and who they can already start calling a bust.

8. Jesse James, TE, Penn State

Jesse James TE Penn State
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8. Jesse James, TE, Penn State

Jesse James TE Penn State
Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

There is nothing wrong with Jesse James; there’s also nothing right about James. James is the sixth TE drafted by Pittsburgh since 2006. The team has found adequate stand-ins for Heath Miller, but they’ve yet to find anyone who can come close to his production. James is another late-round pick who will work hard, but I wouldn’t expect much on-field production.

7. Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville

Gerod Holliman Safety Louisville
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7. Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville

Gerod Holliman Safety Louisville
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Note to Steelers fans: This guy could end up being the best pick of Pittsburgh’s 2015 draft class. Holliman simply makes plays on the ball. He’s unrefined in his tackling technique and in his transitions in coverage, but if he sees the ball he goes after it and usually gets it. If Holliman works on his tackling and sticks in the film room, he could become a terrific steal for Pittsburgh.

6. Leterrius Walton, DE/DT, Central Michigan

Leterrius Walton DT Central Michigan
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6. Leterrius Walton, DE/DT, Central Michigan

Letterius Walton DT Central Michigan
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Leterrius Walton shares many characteristics with Holliman, as he is not going to be productive in his first season. His big body and athleticism forced constant double teams on defense, which naturally detracted from Walton’s statistical output. However, if Walton gets into the weight room and learns how to use his hands to shed blockers, he could turn into a great D-lineman for Pittsburgh.

5. Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Sammie Coates WR Auburn
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5. Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Sammie Coates WR Auburn
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This isn’t a knock on the third-round pick Sammie Coates, but more a statement of contribution. Coates is coming to the most productive passing offense in the league. Arguably the league’s best receiver Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and rookie-breakout star Martavis Bryant already hold roster spots. Coates is going to be used sparingly unless he dominates in camp and in the preseason.

4. Anthony Chickillo, DE/OLB, Miami

Anthony Chickillo OLB Miami
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4. Anthony Chickillo, DE/OLB, Miami

Anthony Chickillo OLB Miami
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Chickillo is high on the list because he’s the first pick I see being able to step on the field and produce right away. Chickillo isn’t overtly athletic so expectations should be tapered. What Chickillo will do is provide a constant motor of defensive pressure in passing and rushing situations. He won’t make any Pro Bowls, but Chickillo will be a consistent professional football player.

3. Doran Grant, CB/S, Ohio State

Doran Grant CB Ohio State
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3. Doran Grant, CB/S, Ohio State

Doran Grant CB Ohio State
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Doran Grant will see playing time and will show flashes of skill in the secondary. Grant will probably see time as an extra DB in nickel and dime packages on defense. His ability to make strong tackles and be strong in run support is what’s going to help keep him on the field. Pittsburgh fans will be high on Grant going into his sophomore season.

2. Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky

Bud Dupree OLB Kentucky
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2. Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky

Bud Dupree OLB Kentucky
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It’ll be nearly impossible for Dupree to not contribute in his rookie season. Unless Jarvis Jones learned how to play OLB in the offseason, Dupree will be behind 37-year-old James Harrison and Arthur Moats. Dupree’s athleticism should lead to him having some effect in the pass rush.

1. Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss

Senquez Golson CB Ole Miss
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1. Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss

Senquez Golson CB Ole Miss
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Pittsburgh needed help at CB, so they put the Bat-Signal in the sky of the NFL Draft and Golson appeared.

Golson will challenge for a starting spot by the end of the 2015 season. Cortez Allen was so bad last year that he was benched, and William Gay is 30 years old. Golson is physical, aggressive and can make tackles on RBs. Pittsburgh will need him if they hope to make a run at the Super Bowl.

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