Steelers 2015 NFL Mock Draft: 7 Rounds v4.0

Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers have a solid nucleus in place along their defensive line with Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Steve McLendon as their starting three. Even with their young group of starters in place, depth could potentially be an issue as early as this year.

Although defensive line help will likely not be at the top of their list of offseason needs, a sensible investment on a developmental project like Rakeem Nunez-Roches might be an option for Pittsburgh’s brass on the draft’s third day.

The former Golden Eagle has an incredible motor, and I came away extremely impressed by the defensive lineman’s hustle and short-area quickness from the tape that I watched. Nunez-Roches lined up as a 1, 3 and 4-Technique and wreaked havoc with swim moves and his gap-shooting.

After an impressive sophomore season in 2012 (37 tackles, 6.0 TFLs, 1.0 sack), Nunez-Roches lost most of his junior campaign to a foot injury. To his credit, the defensive lineman rebounded in strong fashion as a senior (58 tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks) to put himself in a position to earn a spot on a professional roster.

Sure, Nunez-Roches does not possess the long arms, larger frame (6’2″ 305 lbs.) or the type of outstanding athletic ability displayed by prospects selected on the first and second days of the draft. However, the defensive lineman is a high-energy and versatile player who has the potential to be a reliable backup and special teams contributor at the professional level.

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