2015 Steelers NFL Mock Draft: 7 Rounds v6.0

Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Like cornerback, outside linebacker could be a “double-dip” position for the Steelers in 2015 NFL Draft if the free agency period destroys their depth chart. Jarvis Jones is the only outside linebacker on the roster who is currently signed through the 2016 season, and some upgrades and developmental talent are needed.

It will be interesting to see whether or not the Steelers take more than one outside linebacker in the draft, and also how diverse the skill-sets are of the players they select. If they elect to take a strongside player earlier in the draft like Trey Flowers, someone like Harvard’s Zack Hodges could be an option on the third day.

An up-the-field defensive end at Harvard, Hodges was an incredibly productive pass rusher for the Crimson. A high motor player who can get after the quarterback, support the run and use his athleticism to drop back into pass coverage, Hodges finished his collegiate career with 41.0 TFLs and 26.0 sacks.

Hodges’ thinner frame (6’2″ 250 lbs.) and the competition he faced in the Ivy League will definitely come in to play as far as his draft stock is concerned. In addition to learning a new position, Hodges will also need to fine tune his technique as a pass rusher at the professional level. Most importantly, Hodges must illustrate that he has the capacity to add strength to compete with offensive linemen in the NFL, and he must improve his initial punch and hand work as a pass rusher.

Issues and status as a project pick aside, the Steelers would be wise to add a developmental prospect to compete with Howard Jones and Shawn Lemon during the upcoming summer in an effort to bolster their depth chart.

Next: Round 7