All around, the Steelers have gotten high grades for their recent haul from the NFL Draft, but how do high grades in May translate to production in September?
I’ve already looked at the roles that Bud Dupree, Senquez Golson, Sammie Coates, Doran Grant, and Jesse James will have in 2015. Now, let’s take a look at the first of the Steelers’ two sixth round picks, Leterrius Walton.
There is no doubt that Walton is an athlete to behold. It’s hard to temper expectations when you see a 6’5” defensive tackle weighing in at 320 pounds. Walton has great size and good athleticism to succeed along the Steelers’ defensive front.
The defensive line is not a very deep position for the Steelers. Because of that, Walton will have a chance to make the final 2015 roster.
Outside of Cameron Heyward, there are few known commodities on the defensive line. Stephon Tuitt showed flashes in 2014 and will get a shot at making a starting role his own. Steve McLendon has been good when he is on the field, but constantly battles injury. Daniel McCullers was the largest man taken in the 2014 draft and is still a project worth watching. 2014 free agent signing Cam Thomas was a disappointment.
The lack of depth on the line is so that Walton could make the roster and have a future with the team. However, despite the question marks at the position, Walton will have several issues to deal with that have nothing to do with his competition.
Size and athleticism will not be enough to propel Walton onto the roster. Coming from Central Michigan University, Walton will be experiencing an entirely new level of competition. His attention to detail, comprehension of the playbook, and level of technique will be the deciding factors.
He’ll also be playing a different position. Walton mostly played as an interior defensive tackle in a four man front in college. With the Steelers Walton will likely be playing as an end in a three man front.
Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt will not come off of the field very often. Even if Walton is able to pick up the playbook, improve his technique, and rise to the level of competition, he’ll be hard pressed to get on the field in 2015.
The defensive line as a whole will be fun to watch. There is a lot of unproven talent behind Cameron Heyward, and hopefully someone will step up to produce. At least for this year, it’s unlikely that the player to do so will be L.T. Walton.
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