NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

2015 NFL Draft: Too-Early Pittsburgh Steelers 7-Round Mock

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By @Tweets_ByJ

Pittsburgh Steelers 7-Round Mock Draft

Pittsburgh Steelers
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for the playoffs and their first game is Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. But despite being in the playoffs, it is never too early to start looking at the team's future. Here is a way too early seven-round 2015 NFL mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Round One: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan St.

Trae Waynes Michigan State
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Round One: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan St.

Trae Waynes Michigan State
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The Steelers have neglected the cornerback position for years and it is now starting to bite them. Ike Taylor is a shell of himself after several years as a lock-down defender and Cortez Allen has yet to live up to his potential. The Steelers need a star corner to replace Taylor as a starter. Waynes is a big corner that plays physical while excelling in coverage. He is a perfect fit for the Steelers' scheme and should be a top target in April.

Round Two: Devin Funchess, TE, Michigan

Devin Funchess Michigan
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Round Two: Devin Funchess, TE, Michigan

Devin Funchess Michigan
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This may seem like an odd selection since the Steelers already have Heath Miller, but the more you think about it, it would be a smart pick. The Steelers were high on Eric Ebron last draft and Funchess is a similar player. While Miller is a traditional tight end who can block and catch, Funchess is a speed guy who excels as a receiver. Funchess would be another weapon for Ben Roethlisberger and add a new dynamic to Pittsburgh's No. 1 offense.

Round Three: Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford

Samford Jaquiski Tartt
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Round Three: Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford

Samford Jaquiski Tartt
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The Steelers have already picked a defensive back but they will need to double up in this draft. The safety position is something that has seen poor play this season and will need an upgrade. Rumors also say this could be Troy Polamalu's last season in Pittsburgh, so they will need a replacement. Tartt is a small school product who is a hard hitting safety in the Polamalu mold and could be a gem found on the second day of the draft.

Round Four: Deion Barnes, OLB, Penn St.

Deion Barnes Penn State
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Round Four: Deion Barnes, OLB, Penn St.

Deion Barnes Penn State
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Barnes decided to enter the draft early and most see it as a bad decision. He is still young as a pass rusher and if he stayed in school, he could've developed into a much better prospect for a later draft. The Steelers currently are starting James Harrison and Jason Worilds and both could be gone next season. Jarvis Jones hasn't shown much in his second year so the Steelers may take a shot on Barnes and attempt to bring out his potential.

Round Five: Shane Carden, QB, East Carolina

East Carolina Shane Carden
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Round Five: Shane Carden, QB, East Carolina

East Carolina Shane Carden
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This could be another surprise pick, but it makes more sense than it appears. Ben Roethlisberger is in the back half of his career and it may be time to search for a future replacement. Landry Jones has not worked out and will likely be cut this offseason. And the Steelers could at least use a new backup. Carden has led the Pirates to big victories in his time there and could be a good value pick to mold into a future starter in the league.

Round Six: Storm Woods, RB, Oregon St.

Oregon State Storm Woods
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Round Six: Storm Woods, RB, Oregon St.

Oregon State Storm Woods
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The recent injury to Le'Veon Bell has shown the Steelers need another running back to be a backup in these situations. It remains to be seen how well Josh Harris performs, but regardless, the Steelers could use another back. The Steelers like to take players from Oregon St. and Storm Woods could be the next pick. Woods has good size and pass catching ability similar to that of Bell, making him a natural backup for him and the Steelers.

Round Seven: Merrill Noel, CB, Wake Forest

Merrill Noel Wake Forest
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Round Seven: Merrill Noel, CB, Wake Forest

Merrill Noel Wake Forest
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This will be the third defensive back that the Steelers take in this draft and hopefully the last time they need to take that many players at the position. Noel, like all seventh-round picks, will be a dart throw for Pittsburgh, but he does have potential. He played well as a freshman but has digressed a bit since. If the Steelers can help Noel find his former self, he is a perfect scheme fit to be a solid nickel cornerback in Pittsburgh.

Justin Broyles is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @Tweets_ByJ, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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