Steelers' Rookie of the Year: Senquez Golson
First-round pick Bud Dupree won't see the field all that much in 2015, barring injury. That's because there are already at least three outside linebackers ahead of him on the depth chart. The decision here came down to Golson and Doran Grant, who I also believe will see a fair amount of playing time in 2015. But Golson has better ball skills, so he is likely to make more spalsh plays. Grant will be better in run support, but that's not the sort of thing that garners a lot of attention. Interceptions do, and the Steelers figure to spend a good bit of time in nickel formations this year.
Drafted Player Most Likely to be Cut: Anthony Chickillo
Don't get me wrong, I think the kid has potential. I've really come to like the kid in the last week. But the facts are not playing well in his favor. There is a logjam at outside linebacker, with at least six guys fighting for what is sure to be a single roster spot. Chickillo will have to beat out 2014 training-camp darling and freakish athlete Howard Jones, as well as 2014 Canadian Football League sack leader Shawn Lemon, among others. He may be a little too slow to truly excel at the position, at least this year. Perhaps a year of seasoning on the practice squad will be the difference maker.
Undrafted Free Agent Most Likely to Make the Final Roster: B.J. Finney
On a team that is somewhat lacking in offensive depth, a surprisingly decorated athlete like Finney has a good chance of latching on as the final offensive lineman. He lacks the size to play right tackle and the athleticism to play left tackle, but he is pretty doggone good at the interior positions. Largely a center at Kansas State, but capable of playing guard, that position flexibility is his greatest asset. He certainly has motivation, as his entire family are longtime Steelers fans.
Sleeper Pick: Gerod Holliman
Holliman either can't tackle, or won't. We won't find out which until training camp is in full swing. Either way, it's a skill that can be taught. Teach a player with the ball skills Holliman has how to tackle, and you have a prospect for significant playing time at both safety positions. Even without a dramatic improvement in tackling, I expect him to see time spelling Mike Mitchell at free safety.
Most Playing Time: Doran Grant
Grant is probably the most technically refined of all the Steelers' draft picks. He played four years in college and was a captain as a senior. He has experience and leadership skills that project well to the pro level, which help make him the most plug-and-play ready of all the picks. He won't be as flashy as Golson, but his consistent level of play will get him on the field more often.