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Steelers 2015 Draft: What To Expect On Day 2

By Craig Gottschalk

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Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Doran Grant (12) and Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Corey Smith (84) celebrate after beating the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Potential 3rd Round Selections

The Steelers could very well have their own run on cornerbacks on Day 2. The depth is there, and they might as well go for broke in loading up the potential talent in the secondary. They could easily do it if they decide that they can hold off on any offense choices if they really wanted to.

Steven Nelson: CB, Oregon State

One of the main criticisms of the Steelers secondary is that their press/man coverage sucks. Those critics would be right. Nelson would help with that even as he develops into something more permanent on the depth chart.

His special teams contributions would certainly be a positive addition to the already uptick move that group saw last season.

Dom had this to say about Nelson:

"I believe in my gut that the team will use both of their second day selections on their secondary if an outside linebacker is picked in round one. A tough and aggressive cornerback who is unafraid to play bigger receivers in press coverage, Nelson does a fine job in off-man and zone. The former Beaver packs a punch in the run game, and can contribute on special teams in the return and coverage games."

Doran Grant: CB, Ohio State

Grant would help bolster anything the Steelers send in zone coverages. He’s solid value in the 3rd Round and adds depth and numbers to the secondary.

Dom had this to say about Grant:

"This fall, Grant put up similar numbers (63 tackles, 14 PDs, 5 INTs) and led the way in the Buckeyes’ National Championship secondary. … Grant has the frame (5’10” 200 lbs.), straight-line speed, strength and ability to change direction to be a starter at the professional level. Grant’s tackling skills and knack to break on balls would make him a nice fit in a zone-based or off-man defensive scheme like Pittsburgh’s. While Grant can sometimes peek in backfield, take poor tackling angles and might be called upon to play more man-based coverage at the professional level, he would represent terrific value in the third round for a team like the Steelers. Pittsburgh seems to always be in the market for a Buckeye during draft weekend, and Grant could be a logical choice on the event’s second day this year."

Ty Sambrailo: OG, Colorado State

Bolstering the offensive line needs to start at some point during this draft, and if they don’t take someone like Jake Fisher in the 2nd Round, they could certainly add someone like Ty Sambrailo in the 3rd.

Marcus Gilbert has been waning in his performance over the last two seasons. If the Steelers decide to continue playing Beachum at LT, then this O-line needs depth at guard. Sambrailo would provide good depth as a rookie and only move up to permanently play along Pouncey and DeCastro along the interior.

Despite playing tackle a chunk of years, he could do well in the interior or play the outside if Beachum does move to the interior.

Dom had this to say about Sambrailo:

"Sambrailo is a savvy offensive lineman who understands how to pick up blitzes, handles speed rushes well and knows how to ride guys past the arc point in the event he is beat, possesses good agility and quickness to handle speed rushes, and gets solid bend for a player of his size (6’6” 311 lbs.). As a run blocker, Sambrailo can work well along the line of scrimmage or at the second level in space. His long arms (33”) allow him to keep opposing defenders at bay, he understands blocking angles well and also plays with good leverage. When Sambrailo gets engaged and is able to turn his hips, he is a great asset for any ground game to have."

What do you think is in store for the Steelers on Day 2?

Next: Steelers First Round Grades

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