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PFF draft board: Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 23: Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Heinz Field on August 23, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Packers 24-19. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

PFF is putting together team-specific draft boards for all 32 teams using our draft rankings and evaluation of how each player fits in specific schemes.

Included are three ideal targets for each team with their first-, second-, and third-round picks, along with a team-specific draft board [scroll down to bottom of article] that includes every player in PFF's draft rankings.

Here is the entry for the Pittsburgh Steelers: 

Round 1 (25th overall)

Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia

The defensive backfield is an area that can use some playmakers in Pittsburgh. Pairing the best safety in the draft with a defensive scheme that thrives with a dynamic playmaker at the position is a perfect marriage. Joseph was the second-highest-graded safety in the four weeks he played in 2015 before getting injured.

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

Ragland projects to play ILB for most NFL teams, but his pass-rushing ability puts him in play here for the Steelers. He had the fourth-highest-overall LB grade in 2015, and is one of the few players that was also successful rushing against offensive tackles. Lawrence Timmons is coming off his worst year in the NFL, so adding an heir apparent, along with much needed pass-rush ability, could help create versatility for the Steelers.

Shilique Calhoun, OLB, Michigan St

The Steelers like to load up on one of the most impactful positions on their defense yearly. Calhoun adds a serious rush threat from the edge to a defense that has relied on the ageless James Harrison to create edge pressure. Calhoun was only behind Joey Bosa in FBS pass-rush grade last season.

Round 2 (58th overall)

Joshua Garnett, G, Stanford

DeCastro and Foster have been good players at guard for Pittsburgh. That said, getting a very good run-blocking guard at this point in the draft and allowing him to develop as a pass-protector may be too appetizing for the Steelers to pass up. Garnett’s worst game of the year came understandably against Oregon, and some time to develop can only help him.

Kalan Reed, CB, Southern Mississippi

Reed was only targeted 89 times this past year, yet he totaled four interceptions and 14 passes defensed. That type of playmaker is exactly what the Steelers need on the outside. Reed can make a difference in the “trap” schemes Keith Butler likes utilizing while still locking down a man in third-down situations.

Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State

Another safety for the Steelers brings a positive to a different part of the game. Byard excels at deep coverage and is probably the best at it in this draft class. The mix of two- and three-deep zones that Pittsburgh employs would enable Kevin to do what he does best with the ninth-best coverage grade last year.

Round 3 (89th overall)

Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn

Coleman fits the Steelers' run game, simple as that. He can line up down blocks and is patient at the second level. Although he had a pass-blocking efficiency of 97.4 last year, he will need to develop better protection technique. He is raw as a traditional protector due to college scheme limitations, and the Steelers will have to feel comfortable in dealing with the transition to an NFL system.

Dean Lowry, DE, Northwestern

Lowry is one of the more interesting prospects at this point in the draft. As a four/five-technique for the Steelers aligning over the offensive tackle, he can be a very solid run-defender. Lowry lacks a diverse rush skill-set, but is very athletic and can spend time developing that area while still being a valuable addition on first and second downs.

Tavon Young, CB, Temple

Young lacks the size generally looked at as ideal in the NFL, but his ability to bump into the slot against three-WR sets is overlooked in the draft. He has the athleticism and ability to play a variety of coverages inside while also being a solid run-defender, only missing seven tackles in the last two years. Tavon could use some time to develop sounder footwork, but the transition inside will help.

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