Ohio State corner Doran Grant, the Steelers’ fourth-rounder, runs out a Scouting Combine drill in February. — GETTY
BY DAN SCIFO
Entering this NFL Draft, defense clearly was the Steelers’ top priority after losing four starters — Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor, Brett Keisel and Jason Worilds — to retirement.
They addressed that need, while also stockpiling speed.
The final numbers showed Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin selected two linebackers, two cornerbacks, a defensive end and a safety to make for six defensive picks against just two on offense, a wide receiver and tight end. But a deeper look shows their top four selections also were among the fastest at their position at this year’s scouting combine: First-round pick Bud Dupree was the third-fastest linebacker. The cornerbacks, Senquez Golson and Doran Grant, both posted top-eight 40-yard dash times. Third-rounder Sammie Coates, the wide receiver, was clocked at 4.43 in the 40.
“The way they’re playing the game now, it’s a track meet,” Joey Porter, the Steelers’ outside linebackers coach, said. “I think we’re addressing some of the problems we had.”
Their picks also have pedigree.
Golson, despite his 5-foot-8 1/2 frame, had 10 interceptions. Grant, just an inch taller, had five and was a captain on Ohio State’s NCAA championship team. The seventh-rounder, safety Gerod Holliman, tied the NCAA record for interceptions in a season with 14. In essence, the Steelers added 29 interceptions to their defensive backfield.
The Steelers seem aware of the challenges that face their new diminutive cornerbacks, but say they will be able to overcome.
“Senquez has as good of ball skills as anybody in the draft, and Doran was as solid a tackler as anybody at the position in the draft,” Mike Tomlin said. “We don’t talk about potential or height, weight and speed, but more about tape and productivity and what they give. We’re talking about tangible evidence that these guys were good picks as opposed to hypothetical evidence or upside.”
Below are all eight of the Steelers’ picks, capped by Rounds 4-7 this afternoon. Click the player’s position for his NFL profile page. Click the college for video highlights.
1. Bud Dupree
Position: Outside linebacker
College: Kentucky
Size: 6-4, 264
Numbers: Finished 47-game career at Kentucky with 248 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 38 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles. His sacks are second-most in school history. … This past season, led Wildcats with 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss and finished second on team with 74 tackles. … Also picked off pass and returned it for game-winning score vs. South Carolina.
Plus: Possesses rare speed and athletic ability for a big man, with an explosive first step off the line that will not only help in the pass rush but also contain the run. … Ability to drop into coverage. … Will get a chance at left outside linebacker, filling an immediate void left by Worilds.
Minus: Inconsistent and raw as a pass rusher, struggling against double-teams and top-end talent. … Sometimes takes bad angles to the ball and needs better technique and hand usage.
Kevin Colbert says: “He is very strong at the point. That’s why, really, when you watch him work out, you had to keep reminding yourself that this guy is 6-foot-4 and 269 pounds. He doesn’t look big until you get close to him. He can power rush, he can speed rush, he can put moves together and he can cover. So really, it’s a gift to be able to get this guy at No. 22.”
2. Senquez Golson
Position: Cornerback
College: Mississippi
Size: 5-8 1/2, 176
Numbers: Started 33 of 49 games played, recording 136 tackles, 90 solo, and 16 interceptions, the best among NCAA active players at the time and tied for third in school history. … Led SEC and ranked second nationally with 10 interceptions in 2014. … Tied for SEC lead and tied for fourth nationally with 18 passes defensed.
Plus: Ball-hawking type with good quickness, anticipation and awareness. Exceptional ball skills … Unanimous first-team All-American and finalist for Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to national defensive player of the year. … Very physical, exceptional tackler with speed, quickness and start-and-stop ability in coverage. … Selected in eighth round of 2011 Major League Baseball draft by Red Sox, but turned down $1 million signing bonus.
Minus: His frame could work against him against receivers with size. He will have to prove himself in pass-happy NFL. … Arrest for disorderly conduct in 2014 isolated incident where he didn’t have identification and wouldn’t provide information to police officer.
Secondary coach Carnell Lake says: “He’s going to be challenged, there’s no question about that. Senquez is going to have to prove that he can play in this league. We believe he can. … If he had been 2 inches taller, we probably would not have gotten him. People would’ve jumped on him right away. He has unusual ball skills and unusual production, especially when it comes to interceptions.”
3. Sammie Coates
Position: Wide receiver
College: Auburn
Size: 6-1, 212
Numbers: Three-year starter finished 10th in career receiving at Auburn with 1,757 yards. … Had seven 100-yard games and 13 touchdown catches. … Left with a 19-game reception streak. … Started seven of 12 games in 2014, with 741 yards and four touchdowns.
Plus: Big-time big-play ability with good athleticism, best illustrated by 42 percent of his targets coimng on throws of 20-plus yards. … Deep threat who can track the ball downfield and take the top off coverage. Has been compared by Steelers to Martavis Bryant… Had 11 touchdown receptions of 33-plus yards the past two seasons, including six that went for 50-plus. … Tough receiver, good run blocker.
Minus: Struggles with too many drops. Problem is straight-ahead catching, possibly attributed to concentration because he wasn’t used on every down. … Wasn’t used much in underneath routes.
Wide receivers coach Richard Mann says: “He’s had some drops, but they all drop it. That’s why we have drills. With a chance to coach him up, we feel like we can make that better.”
4. Doran Grant
Position: Cornerback
College: Ohio State
Size: 5-10, 200
Numbers: Played in 54 career games with 30 starts, recording 146 tackles, 110 solo. … Had nine interceptions, 20 passes defensed, four tackles for a loss and a sack. … First-team All-Big 10 selection. … Picked off five passes, second on the team and sixth in the conference, and totaled nine passes defensed and 63 tackles.
Plus: Solid, physical corner with speed, toughness and a high pedigree, playing all four years at Ohio State. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman and started all 15 games this past season when the Buckeyes won the NCAA championship … Voted co-captain by teammates. … Steady tackler. … Can play along the boundary and in space.
Minus: Can keep up, but some doubts about ability to close to receivers. Sometimes allows too much separation … Height might present a problem against taller receivers.
Carnell Lake says: “I want to take my time with (Grant and Golson). I want to see them move, I want to see them interact with the other guys. I want to see them pick up the defense. I just want to take my time and make sure that, however we use them, we use them correctly.”
Jesse James, center, celebrates Penn State’s win over Central Florida in Dublin, Ireland, last season. — GETTY
5. Jesse James
Position: Tight end
College: Penn State
Size: 6-7, 261
Numbers: Made 31 career starts for Nittany Lions, including every game of past two seasons. … Caught 78 passes for 1,005 yards and 11 touchdowns, most by a tight end in school history. … All-Big 10 selection in 2014, with 38 catches for 396 yards and a team-best three touchdowns.
Plus: Great length with natural strength should help at the line. Primarily a blocking tight end, who will help in the run game and pass protection. … Could be red-zone threat with his frame. … Grew up in Glassport. Played high school football at South Allegheny.
Minus: Wasn’t used much as a receiver at Penn State, but doesn’t mean he won’t be utilized that way by the Steelers. … Not a polished route runner and struggles at times to gain separation from coverage. Also struggles against physical defenders.
Tight ends coach James Daniel says: “When a guy hasn’t been put in a situation, it’s hard to say that he is definitely going to be this or that. But you don’t see anything that says he’s not going to be a receiver. We are going to bring him in here and work. He has enough talent to be good in all phases of the game.”
6a. Leterrius ‘L.T.’ Walton
Position: Defensive end
College: Central Michigan
Size: 6-5, 319
Numbers: Played in 39 career games with 32 starts. He recorded 106 tackles, including 46 solo, 18.5 for a loss and six sacks.
Plus: Plays with high intensity, runs to the ball and stays on his feet, key for a defensive lineman. … Big, athletic lineman who flashes a strong initial burst with quick hands. … Will likely play defensive end, but shows versatility after playing inside at Central Michigan.
Minus: Will need to learn how to better use his hands, get off blocks and play more physical at the point of attack. … Competition different at pro game, will have to prove himself against high-end NFL talent. … Will also need to improve as a pass rusher and better disrupt the pocket.
Defensive line coach John Mitchell says: “When you get a guy, 6-foot-4, 319, who can run and stay on his feet, that’s a big plus. This guy has the measurements that you look for. He’s a hard worker, he’ll do anything that we ask him, and it’s my job to get him to be the best football player that he can be.”
6b. Anthony Chickillo
Position: Linebacker
College: Miami
Size: 6-3, 267
Numbers: Started 47 of his 50 games played at Miami, making 170 tackles, 89 of those solo, 25 for a loss and 15.5 sacks. He forced two fumbles, recovered five and had five passes defensed.
Plus: Adds depth to a depleted group of outside linebackers. … Displays versatility, being able to play inside and outside. Could also be used in sub packages. … High-energy self-starter. … Able to get to the quarterback. … Generates leverage with strong hands.
Minus: Wasn’t asked to drop into coverage much in college and needs to improve in that area. … Inconsistent as a pass rusher. … Needs to become comfortable adjusting to NFL game, while finding a permanent position.
Outside linebackers coach Joey Porter says: “I think he can fit the system with what we’re going to do with him. We’ll work with him when he gets here and find his strengths and weaknesses. We didn’t put enough pressure on the quarterback last year. We’re addressing situations we need to fix.”
7. Gerod Holliman
Position: Safety
College: Louisville
Size: 6-0, 218
Numbers: Tied Al Worley’s NCAA single-season record for interceptions with 14 in 2014, this despite making only nine starts. … Played 27 games at Louisville, only 12 starts, and totaled 63 tackles, 48 solo, with a sack and six passes defensed. … Winner of the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in college football and voted first-team FWAA All-American.
Plus: Great instincts, awareness and ball skills, among the best in the draft class. Plays aggressively, particularly when the ball is in the air. … Produced at a high level in his only year as a starter.
Minus: Needs considerable improvement as a tackler. Very physical but doesn’t wrap up, missing 20 tackles last season.
Colbert says: “You see him making breaks on the ball before the quarterback throws it, and he has great hands to finish it. This kid is a ballhawk. He knows how to make interceptions.”
Dan Scifo is a freelance writer for DKonPittsburghSports.com.
May 2, 2015
Coverage: Steelers bolster needs, speed
by Dan Scifo • Coverage • Steelers
Ohio State corner Doran Grant, the Steelers’ fourth-rounder, runs out a Scouting Combine drill in February. — GETTY
BY DAN SCIFO
Entering this NFL Draft, defense clearly was the Steelers’ top priority after losing four starters — Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor, Brett Keisel and Jason Worilds — to retirement.
They addressed that need, while also stockpiling speed.
The final numbers showed Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin selected two linebackers, two cornerbacks, a defensive end and a safety to make for six defensive picks against just two on offense, a wide receiver and tight end. But a deeper look shows their top four selections also were among the fastest at their position at this year’s scouting combine: First-round pick Bud Dupree was the third-fastest linebacker. The cornerbacks, Senquez Golson and Doran Grant, both posted top-eight 40-yard dash times. Third-rounder Sammie Coates, the wide receiver, was clocked at 4.43 in the 40.
“The way they’re playing the game now, it’s a track meet,” Joey Porter, the Steelers’ outside linebackers coach, said. “I think we’re addressing some of the problems we had.”
Their picks also have pedigree.
Golson, despite his 5-foot-8 1/2 frame, had 10 interceptions. Grant, just an inch taller, had five and was a captain on Ohio State’s NCAA championship team. The seventh-rounder, safety Gerod Holliman, tied the NCAA record for interceptions in a season with 14. In essence, the Steelers added 29 interceptions to their defensive backfield.
The Steelers seem aware of the challenges that face their new diminutive cornerbacks, but say they will be able to overcome.
“Senquez has as good of ball skills as anybody in the draft, and Doran was as solid a tackler as anybody at the position in the draft,” Mike Tomlin said. “We don’t talk about potential or height, weight and speed, but more about tape and productivity and what they give. We’re talking about tangible evidence that these guys were good picks as opposed to hypothetical evidence or upside.”
Below are all eight of the Steelers’ picks, capped by Rounds 4-7 this afternoon. Click the player’s position for his NFL profile page. Click the college for video highlights.
1. Bud Dupree
Position: Outside linebacker
College: Kentucky
Size: 6-4, 264
Numbers: Finished 47-game career at Kentucky with 248 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 38 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles. His sacks are second-most in school history. … This past season, led Wildcats with 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss and finished second on team with 74 tackles. … Also picked off pass and returned it for game-winning score vs. South Carolina.
Plus: Possesses rare speed and athletic ability for a big man, with an explosive first step off the line that will not only help in the pass rush but also contain the run. … Ability to drop into coverage. … Will get a chance at left outside linebacker, filling an immediate void left by Worilds.
Minus: Inconsistent and raw as a pass rusher, struggling against double-teams and top-end talent. … Sometimes takes bad angles to the ball and needs better technique and hand usage.
Kevin Colbert says: “He is very strong at the point. That’s why, really, when you watch him work out, you had to keep reminding yourself that this guy is 6-foot-4 and 269 pounds. He doesn’t look big until you get close to him. He can power rush, he can speed rush, he can put moves together and he can cover. So really, it’s a gift to be able to get this guy at No. 22.”
2. Senquez Golson
Position: Cornerback
College: Mississippi
Size: 5-8 1/2, 176
Numbers: Started 33 of 49 games played, recording 136 tackles, 90 solo, and 16 interceptions, the best among NCAA active players at the time and tied for third in school history. … Led SEC and ranked second nationally with 10 interceptions in 2014. … Tied for SEC lead and tied for fourth nationally with 18 passes defensed.
Plus: Ball-hawking type with good quickness, anticipation and awareness. Exceptional ball skills … Unanimous first-team All-American and finalist for Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to national defensive player of the year. … Very physical, exceptional tackler with speed, quickness and start-and-stop ability in coverage. … Selected in eighth round of 2011 Major League Baseball draft by Red Sox, but turned down $1 million signing bonus.
Minus: His frame could work against him against receivers with size. He will have to prove himself in pass-happy NFL. … Arrest for disorderly conduct in 2014 isolated incident where he didn’t have identification and wouldn’t provide information to police officer.
Secondary coach Carnell Lake says: “He’s going to be challenged, there’s no question about that. Senquez is going to have to prove that he can play in this league. We believe he can. … If he had been 2 inches taller, we probably would not have gotten him. People would’ve jumped on him right away. He has unusual ball skills and unusual production, especially when it comes to interceptions.”
3. Sammie Coates
Position: Wide receiver
College: Auburn
Size: 6-1, 212
Numbers: Three-year starter finished 10th in career receiving at Auburn with 1,757 yards. … Had seven 100-yard games and 13 touchdown catches. … Left with a 19-game reception streak. … Started seven of 12 games in 2014, with 741 yards and four touchdowns.
Plus: Big-time big-play ability with good athleticism, best illustrated by 42 percent of his targets coimng on throws of 20-plus yards. … Deep threat who can track the ball downfield and take the top off coverage. Has been compared by Steelers to Martavis Bryant… Had 11 touchdown receptions of 33-plus yards the past two seasons, including six that went for 50-plus. … Tough receiver, good run blocker.
Minus: Struggles with too many drops. Problem is straight-ahead catching, possibly attributed to concentration because he wasn’t used on every down. … Wasn’t used much in underneath routes.
Wide receivers coach Richard Mann says: “He’s had some drops, but they all drop it. That’s why we have drills. With a chance to coach him up, we feel like we can make that better.”
4. Doran Grant
Position: Cornerback
College: Ohio State
Size: 5-10, 200
Numbers: Played in 54 career games with 30 starts, recording 146 tackles, 110 solo. … Had nine interceptions, 20 passes defensed, four tackles for a loss and a sack. … First-team All-Big 10 selection. … Picked off five passes, second on the team and sixth in the conference, and totaled nine passes defensed and 63 tackles.
Plus: Solid, physical corner with speed, toughness and a high pedigree, playing all four years at Ohio State. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman and started all 15 games this past season when the Buckeyes won the NCAA championship … Voted co-captain by teammates. … Steady tackler. … Can play along the boundary and in space.
Minus: Can keep up, but some doubts about ability to close to receivers. Sometimes allows too much separation … Height might present a problem against taller receivers.
Carnell Lake says: “I want to take my time with (Grant and Golson). I want to see them move, I want to see them interact with the other guys. I want to see them pick up the defense. I just want to take my time and make sure that, however we use them, we use them correctly.”
Jesse James, center, celebrates Penn State’s win over Central Florida in Dublin, Ireland, last season. — GETTY
5. Jesse James
Position: Tight end
College: Penn State
Size: 6-7, 261
Numbers: Made 31 career starts for Nittany Lions, including every game of past two seasons. … Caught 78 passes for 1,005 yards and 11 touchdowns, most by a tight end in school history. … All-Big 10 selection in 2014, with 38 catches for 396 yards and a team-best three touchdowns.
Plus: Great length with natural strength should help at the line. Primarily a blocking tight end, who will help in the run game and pass protection. … Could be red-zone threat with his frame. … Grew up in Glassport. Played high school football at South Allegheny.
Minus: Wasn’t used much as a receiver at Penn State, but doesn’t mean he won’t be utilized that way by the Steelers. … Not a polished route runner and struggles at times to gain separation from coverage. Also struggles against physical defenders.
Tight ends coach James Daniel says: “When a guy hasn’t been put in a situation, it’s hard to say that he is definitely going to be this or that. But you don’t see anything that says he’s not going to be a receiver. We are going to bring him in here and work. He has enough talent to be good in all phases of the game.”
6a. Leterrius ‘L.T.’ Walton
Position: Defensive end
College: Central Michigan
Size: 6-5, 319
Numbers: Played in 39 career games with 32 starts. He recorded 106 tackles, including 46 solo, 18.5 for a loss and six sacks.
Plus: Plays with high intensity, runs to the ball and stays on his feet, key for a defensive lineman. … Big, athletic lineman who flashes a strong initial burst with quick hands. … Will likely play defensive end, but shows versatility after playing inside at Central Michigan.
Minus: Will need to learn how to better use his hands, get off blocks and play more physical at the point of attack. … Competition different at pro game, will have to prove himself against high-end NFL talent. … Will also need to improve as a pass rusher and better disrupt the pocket.
Defensive line coach John Mitchell says: “When you get a guy, 6-foot-4, 319, who can run and stay on his feet, that’s a big plus. This guy has the measurements that you look for. He’s a hard worker, he’ll do anything that we ask him, and it’s my job to get him to be the best football player that he can be.”
6b. Anthony Chickillo
Position: Linebacker
College: Miami
Size: 6-3, 267
Numbers: Started 47 of his 50 games played at Miami, making 170 tackles, 89 of those solo, 25 for a loss and 15.5 sacks. He forced two fumbles, recovered five and had five passes defensed.
Plus: Adds depth to a depleted group of outside linebackers. … Displays versatility, being able to play inside and outside. Could also be used in sub packages. … High-energy self-starter. … Able to get to the quarterback. … Generates leverage with strong hands.
Minus: Wasn’t asked to drop into coverage much in college and needs to improve in that area. … Inconsistent as a pass rusher. … Needs to become comfortable adjusting to NFL game, while finding a permanent position.
Outside linebackers coach Joey Porter says: “I think he can fit the system with what we’re going to do with him. We’ll work with him when he gets here and find his strengths and weaknesses. We didn’t put enough pressure on the quarterback last year. We’re addressing situations we need to fix.”
7. Gerod Holliman
Position: Safety
College: Louisville
Size: 6-0, 218
Numbers: Tied Al Worley’s NCAA single-season record for interceptions with 14 in 2014, this despite making only nine starts. … Played 27 games at Louisville, only 12 starts, and totaled 63 tackles, 48 solo, with a sack and six passes defensed. … Winner of the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in college football and voted first-team FWAA All-American.
Plus: Great instincts, awareness and ball skills, among the best in the draft class. Plays aggressively, particularly when the ball is in the air. … Produced at a high level in his only year as a starter.
Minus: Needs considerable improvement as a tackler. Very physical but doesn’t wrap up, missing 20 tackles last season.
Colbert says: “You see him making breaks on the ball before the quarterback throws it, and he has great hands to finish it. This kid is a ballhawk. He knows how to make interceptions.”
Dan Scifo is a freelance writer for DKonPittsburghSports.com.