Pittsburgh Steelers Rookies Forecast
By Charlie Campbell - @draftcampbell
Walt's 2015 NFL Draft Grades:
22. Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky: A+ Grade
Wow, how does this continue to happen? It seems like every year, great prospects slip in the draft and fall into Pittsburgh's lap. I thought it was going to be Shane Ray or Randy Gregory, but it turned out to be another pass-rusher. Alvin Dupree was getting top-10 buzz prior to the draft. I thought that was a bit too high for him, but I figured the No. 13 spot was the right area for him. I thought the Saints would pick him when they were on the clock, but apparently not. Dupree has tremendous upside and should provide a big boost in terms of getting to the quarterback.
56. Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss: C- Grade
Call me shocked that the Steelers chose Senquez Golson over Alex Carter or P.J. Williams... or a bunch of other cornerbacks. First of all, Golson is just 5-foot-9, so he doesn't have the size Pittsburgh usually likes at the position. Second, Golson was a Round 4-5 prospect. This is too early for him, especially with so many better players available at the position.
87. Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn: A Grade
Man, I've correctly mocked all three positions to the Steelers, but I've had the wrong players. I love this pick though, as the Steelers are selecting another talented player who dropped into their lap. Sammie Coates easily could've gone in the second round, but dropped because he, well, drops a lot of passes. That's something that can be coached up. Coates' athleticism, on the other hand, cannot. He has major bust potential, but his ceiling is extremely high.
121. Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State: B+ Grade
Another surprising cornerback pick. Doran Grant neither has the size (5-10) nor the athleticism that the Steelers usually look for in their cornerbacks. However, I think this is a solid choice. Doran Grant provides some value, as he could have gone at the end of the third round.
160. Jesse James, TE, Penn State: B+ Grade
I mocked Jesse James to the Steelers at this spot because I thought he made a lot of sense for the team. James is a great fit in Pittsburgh's offense, and he obviously makes sense at this range. James, a good athlete, might be able to take over for Heath Miller in a couple of years.
199. Leterrius Walton, DE/DT, Central Michigan: A Grade
Good players just somehow fall to the Steelers all the time. Leterrius Walton was a player I had slotted in the fourth round. He was highly productive at Central Michigan and could eventually emerge as a starter on Pittsburgh's front. In the meantime, he fills a need as a depth player.
212. Anthony Chickillo, DE, Miami: A Grade
The best teams get better in the draft because the "lesser" organizations do stupid things. How did Anthony Chickillo fall to the Steelers at the end of Round 6? I had him atop the fourth frame, as Chickillo was both productive at Miami and also athletic at the Combine. He should be able to make the roster.
239. Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville: A- Grade
Some had Gerod Holliman in the third round, but we were hearing that he was going to drop. I didn't expect him to fall this far, however, and the Steelers ended up getting a potential steal. Holliman's poor measurables really sunk his draft stock, but he could end up sticking for the Steelers, who needed to find another safety.
2015 NFL Draft Team Grade: A-
to read rest of article:
http://walterfootball.com/rookiefore...Th5DKodYt3g.99
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Steeldude
