The 2015 NFL draft will have a strong defensive feel for the Pittsburgh Steelers. At least that would appear to be the case as the Steelers attempt to build a strong defense to go along with their already potent offense.
As tempting as this strategy may sound, it may not be a wise one. Pittsburgh must improve its talent on the defensive side of the ball, but acquiring quality talent is more important than filling needs. Ideally, the Steelers will be able to achieve both when it comes to their early draft picks.
With an offense that averaged 27.3 points per game, the Steelers are all but set. They have the starting line returning next season as well as their top tight end, top four receivers, All-Pro running back and franchise quarterback.
Aside from a stud left tackle falling in the first or the top tight end lasting until their pick in the second, the Steelers can shy away from the offensive side of the ball in the first two rounds. That will place a strong emphasis on defense, where they must fill holes at outside linebacker and in the secondary.
Of course, these needs could change depending on the defensive philosophy that the Steelers plan to employ next season. With the resignation of Dick LeBeau , Mike Tomlin—and his new defensive coordinator—could choose to go in a new direction.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had some thoughts on linebackers coach Keith Butler if he replaces LeBeau as defensive coordinator:
The Steelers would like to retain some continuity in their defense by hiring Butler, who has been the linebackers coach since 2003 and has long been considered the heir apparent to LeBeau.
But they also want to change what they do defensively after the Steelers struggled the past two seasons stopping the run, preventing the deep pass and sacking the quarterback.
Based on these needs, all the Steelers have to draft is a dominant nose tackle, a shutdown cornerback and a stellar edge-rusher. This is an impossible task for even the general manager and scouts. Therefore, the Steelers must do their best to match value with need.
As the offseason progresses, the Steelers will continually evaluate prospects and determine which players provide the value in the early rounds and which they can wait on. Here is a preview of the positions that offer the most value for the Steelers in the 2015 draft—organized from the lowest to the highest draft need.
from Bleacher Report http://ift.tt/1CbC0vt
via IFTTT January 12, 2015 at 07:10PM
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