2015 Steelers NFL Mock Draft: 7 Rounds v6.0

Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

As sad as the Steelers’ depth chart at cornerback could look by the end of free agency, the one at the safety spots might not inspire much hope either. Troy Polamalu could be set to retire this offseason after he struggled so mightily last fall.

Mike Mitchell illustrated the type of player he was when he didn’t have an elite front-seven in front of him like he did in Carolina. Overall, it could be said that he was nothing short of pathetic during his first season with the team.

In addition to 2014’s starters, backup Will Allen is set to become a free agent this spring, Shamarko Thomas is still a question mark entering his third year and Robert Golden is mainly a special teams player. If Pittsburgh’s brass do decide to address the safety position in this year’s draft, one player who could interest them is Kurtis Drummond of Michigan State.

An unsung force in Michigan State’s famous “No Fly Zone” secondary, Drummond established himself as one of the Big Ten’s best safeties over the last two seasons. Drummond earned 1st-Team All-Big 10 honors last fall, and racked up 233 tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 33 PDs, 12 INTs, 3 FFs and 2 FRs during his collegiate career.

A big hitter who displays aggressiveness and instinctual play, Drummond has the tools to be a solid in-the-box safety at the professional level. The larger-framed Drummond (6′ 208 lbs.) can also jump routes, has good hands and can handle his own as a deep safety on occasion.

What could cause the former Spartan’s draft stock to fall is that he does not possess the type of long speed to be considered an elite safety prospect. In addition, his height definitely works against him at times when he tries to change directions quickly. The Steelers will need to acquire a playmaking and reliable safety if one already is not on the roster, and Drummond could be well worth an early third day selection.

Next: Round 5