Unless something really jumps out at them, the Pittsburgh Steelers almost have to look at the cornerback position at the top of the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Steelers ranked 27th in pass defense last season and currently have nothing outside the numbers on defense with Cortez Allen, who was a mess last year, and the nondescript BW Webb penciled in as the starters.
Options who could be there with the 22nd overall pick include Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson who possesses solid man-to-man coverage skills and would be a solid fit in the Steel City. Others on the short list should include Byron Jones, a physical freak out of UConn, and Marcus Peters, the supremely talented University of Washington cornerback who has had some off-the-field issues.
2014 Record: 11-5
Top Needs: CB, S, OL, TE
First Three Picks: No. 22, No. 56, No. 87
Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7)
RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2014 - Ryan Shazier (LB, Ohio State); 2013 - Jarvis Jones (OLB, Georgia); 2012 - David DeCastro (OG, Stanford); 2011 - Cameron Heyward (DE, Ohio State); 2010 - Maurkice Pouncey (C, Florida); 2009 - Evander "Ziggy" Hood (DL, Missouri); 2008 - Rashard Mendenhall (RB, Illinois); 2007 - Lawrence Timmons (LB, Florida State); 2006 - Santonio Holmes (WR, Ohio State); 2005 - Heath Miller (TE, Virginia)
[SportsNetwork.com]
