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Round 1 Pick No. 15: C.J. Mosley, ILB Alabama
C.J. Mosley was the leader of the Crimson Tide defense over the last two years both on and off the field. He fits everything that the Steelers seem to value in there first round pick. Mosley comes from a big name school, has a great motor, and has production to back up his potential. The Crimson Tide linebacker has incredible football instincts and combines it with very good athleticism. Mosley is capable of being physical and attacking plays downhill.
It is his pass coverage however that will be incredibly appealing to defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. The Steelers defense had to use a variety of different personnel groupings (none of which effective) to combat teams using receiving backs, tightens or multiple receiver sets.I could go on further about Mosley ability (and already have) but I would be willing to bet Mosley falls on the short list of special players Tomlin, Colbert and the rest of the front offense has put together for the Draft. Mosley also suffers from not being a QB, OT, pass rusher or offensive weapon and could easily fall in the draft as teams draft these positions early on.
TRADE: Steelers trade pick No. 46 to the 49ers for picks No. 62 (30th in 2nd round) and pick No. 87 (23rd in the 3rd round)
Round 2, Pick No. 62: DaQuan Jones, DT Penn State
The Steelers likely want to resign Al Woods who showed promise when having to play NT last year. They are however not likely to sign Brett Keisel to a new contract and may lose Hood if some is willing to pay more then the Steelers will offer.
On top of that their run defense was one of the worst since LeBeau rejoined the team in 2004. They need to address the serious lack of depth along the defensive line. That is where Jones comes in. Showing priority to drop 25 pound Jones measures in at 6-4 323 pounds with a good arm length of 32.75 inches. After losing the weight 2013 Jones showed surprising quickness of the snap. This added to his game where he already shows power and the ability to hold the point. Jones also shows quick hands to disengage from blockers and a high motor. He will need to improve his pad level but Jones is one of the most under rated players in this draft. He should develop nicely into a LDE in the 3-4.
Round 3 Pick No. 87: Mike Davis, WR Texas
With players like Nate Washington, Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders, Antonio Brown, and Markus Wheaton, Colbert has built a reputation of being able to find receivers in the third round or later. Mike Davis could be added to that list. Davis is just over 6-foot 193 pounds and has long arms and big hands. He is a great route runner utilizing a good burst in and out of his breaks to get separation. He excelled at the Senior Bowl in practice showing a great ability to get open. His biggest concern is he was plagued with drops related to concentration and lack long speed. In my opinion Davis has a future in the NFL.
Round 3 Compensatory Pick (Wallace): Terrance Brooks, FS Florida State
Terrance Brooks doesn't have the ideal safety frame at 5-foot-11 and just under 200 pounds. He also lack length with only 30.25 inch arm length. What he does have is a good blend of skills. He has very good speed for a safety allowing him to have a good range. He accelerates well. Brooks isn't afraid to play physical against the run and was used at times in the box as a kind of a fourth LB for run support. He also has two years experience in the slot as a CB. He looks comfortable when he has to cover slot receivers. Good balance and some of the better footwork for a safety in his drops. The Steelers don't shy away from safeties who are undersized (Clark measures 5-foot-11, Polamalu 5-foot-10, and Thomas 5-foot-9.) Brooks has the versatility and the tool that the Steelers will like for a FS prospect.
Round 4 Pick No. 114: Walt Aikens, CB Liberty
Much like how Mike Davis fits Colbert's pattern at WR Walt Aikens fits Colbert's M.O. when drafting a defensive back. Aikens measures in at slightly under 6-foot-1 205 pounds with great arm length for a CB at 32.25 inches. He show good body control and good short area burst. Aikens was invited to the Senior Bowl and like most small school prospects had some difficulties early with the increase in talent. By the end of the week he was making his share of play and had people in attendance wanting more information. He doesn't appear to have top level long speed and will need to be coach up more on his technique.
Round 4 Compensatory Pick (Lewis): Arthur Lynch, TE Georgia
The tight end position is rapidly changing. Athleticism is highlighting the position and most teams are searching for a player that has it. It is a new school of thought for TE to essentially be a basketball player on the field. Unfortunately for Lynch he is an old school player. Measuring 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds Lynch won't wow anyone with his forty time. He is however a receiver who understands routes and is physical getting his body in between himself and the defender. He has big hand and is a reliable catcher. Lynch lacks ideal arm length for the position at a short 31 inches. When the Combine comes Lynch is stock is going to be push down but he does everything the Steelers value in their TEs.
Round 5 Pick No. 145: Devon Kennard, DE/OLB USC
The Steelers need to build their depth at OLB. Kennard isn't going to wow any one with his athleticism but he has a well put together frame with long arms and looks like a Steelers OLB. He uses his hands effectively and holds the edge well in the run game. As a pass rusher he has average quickness but good lateral movement to execute stunts. He has a good variety pass rusher moves and a high motor. Kennard isn't going to be a star OLB and he likely won't be a starter but he has enough tools at his disposal to become an effective back up.
Round 6 Pick No. 177: Aaron Colvin, CB Oklahoma
Aaron Colvin is corner who stands out because of his quick footwork and agility. He excels in off man and zone coverage showing excellent acceleration to break on the ball. He has good ball skills as well. Like any corner the Steelers draft he isn't afraid to be physical in run support. I believe Colvin fits well in to what the Steelers like to do with their CBs. He is however over aggressive at times and bit on double moves too often. Unfortunately Colvin tore his ACL in a practice for the Senior Bowl and his stock dropped because of it. He is a guy the Steelers can put on the PUP and evaluate where his status is mid season. If healthy he could make the roster as a special teams player while working on his coverage. Year two will be where the value of this pick would be seen.
Round 7 Pick No. 207: Kadeem Edwards OG Tennessee St.
Edwards is a prospect that gets drafted because of his physical tools. He weighed in at the Senior Bowl at 6-foot-4 305 pounds with long 34.5 inch arm length. On tape he shows some good lateral movement skills. He needs to work on his pad level and build more muscle on his frame. He came out of high school at 340 pounds. If he can dedicate himself to a off-season regime Edwards can make a team as a back up OG might be a Practice Squad player in his first year.
*Picks after 3rd round numbers do not take into consideration any compensatory pick and are likely to change.
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