| Michael Milliron. 24th April, 2009 - 5:01 pm
 The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of their second Super Bowl victory in four seasons – which is the good news. The bad news is that they pick 32nd in this year’s draft for their trouble. Drafting is what the Steelers like to do and as L.L. Cool J. would say, “they’re doin’ it, doin’ it and doin’ it well.” Whenever the Steelers delve into free agency, it is viewed almost as a necessary evil - a road they like taking less than Pennsylvanians like taking the Turnpike.
That said, the 2008 draft class had little or no impact on the Super Bowl season, as it was previous years of draft classes that yielded the ultimate reward in pro football. Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert and Coach Mike Tomlin hope that the 2008 and upcoming 2009 draft class help the Steelers add even more Vince Lombardi trophies to the record six they already have.
It was believed last year that the Steelers would have a “meat and potatoes” draft, as they already had stars at the offensive skill positions with QB Ben Roethlisberger, running back Willie Parker, and receivers Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. However, Colbert and Co. unpredictably came out with running back Rashard Mendenhall and receiver Limas Sweed in rounds one and two, respectively.
Mendenhall was lost for the year after a shoulder crushing hit by the Raven’s Ray Lewis in an early season Monday Nighter. Sweed had very little playing time, but displayed the dropsies when given opportunities. Third round pick Bruce Davis was making the transition from college defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker and found the transition a very difficult one, as he was beaten out for even special teams duty by undrafted free agent rookie linebackers last year.
Fourth rounder Tony Hills is a project at left tackle and did not see the field in 2008. Dennis Dixon was an intriguing pick in the fifth round as he was in the Heisman race as Oregon’s QB prior to a devastating knee injury. Sixth round pick Mike Humpal had trouble getting on the field in training camp due to injuries and was subsequently released. The Steelers other sixth round pick, safety Ryan Mundy was released, but then signed to the practice squad.
Mendenhall may be the Steelers featured back as soon as the 2010 season. It is hoped Sweed will make an impact as the Steelers third receiver this coming season and may be the eventual replacement for Ward. A lot more about Davis should be revealed in training camp this year. Hills has to figure in the Steelers offensive line situation quickly. Dixon could move up to the number two QB spot with a strong preseason. The staff likes Mundy and he could land in the 2008 two deep at safety.
The Steelers focus this offseason, as always, was to sign their own free agents as opposed to those of other teams. Priority one was to re-sign NFL Defensive MVP, linebacker James Harrison, which was eventually accomplished. Tackle Max Starks was franchised again with tackles Willie Colon, Trai Essex, and guard Chris Kemoeatu were all re-signed giving a maligned offensive line some continuity. Older veterans, tackle Marvel Smith and guard Kendall Simmons, were released due to both injury and cap concerns.
Key special teamers, LBs Keyaron Fox and Andre Frazier were also re-signed, along with QB Charlie Batch and tight end Sean McHugh. Lost to free agency were QB Byron Leftwich who wanted a starting opportunity, cornerback Bryant McFadden who did not fit into the team’s cap structure, and receiver Nate Washington who went to Tennessee to be a starter.
As far as draft day needs, the Steelers do not have any glaring holes for this season, despite the aforementioned offensive line. However, many key players will be free agents after the upcoming season, they include: Starks, Ward, Colon, Parker, tight end Heath Miller, nose tackle Casey Hampton, defensive end Brett Keisel, center Justin Hartwig, safety Ryan Clark, linebacker Larry Foote, and kicker Jeff Reed.
The Steelers like to extend players they intend to keep before they get into the final year of their contracts. With Harrison having a deal in place, Miller will be the next target to extend long term. Up against the cap, the Steelers other potential 2010 free agents are likely to be on other teams unless they are back at the Steelers price. So, while immediate draft needs are minimal for 2009, this year’s draft is pivotal with the 2010 free agents looming.
Colbert and the personnel staff like to take the highest rated player on their board regardless of position, but still fill needs at the same time. They have walked that fine line over the years with poise, precision, and audacity. The Steelers will not take a QB or tight end in the first three rounds this year, but all of the other positions are game.
Areas of concentration look to be offensive line, defensive line, and cornerback, as many as two each may be drafted at those positions. They have nine total picks barring any draft day maneuvering via trade, with extra picks being in the fifth and seventh rounds. The fifth - round pick is a compensatory pick and the seventh came in a trade with Tampa Bay.
The Steelers are not likely to move up in the first round, as a player they have highly rated at defensive line, offensive line, or corner should be available at pick 32. However, if a dynamic playmaker is available at receiver, they may well grab him in round one. They could be enticed to use their extra picks to move up and target players they especially like in rounds two and three.
Another position of interest is a speed receiver. Someone to replace Washington, play well out of the slot and return kicks. A back could be taken at some point with the recent release of Gary Russell, Parker’s impending free agency, and Mendenhall coming off of injury. Of course, they will make the obligatory selection of a linebacker, either a potential pass rusher or a run plugging special teams demon.
Here is a fantasy draft for the Steelers this year:
Round 1, pick # 32 – Fili Moala, DE, USC
A defensive tackle for the Trojans, Moala was a key cog in one of the best defenses in the country. His skill set translates well to the 3 - 4 front. He is athletic for his size, can get up the field and make plays, as well as, physical and can hold linemen at the line of scrimmage – key for a 3 – 4 end. He can seamlessly move to an inside pass rushing position in the nickel and dime defenses. This is a key pick for the Steelers as all of the Steeler linemen are aging and youth is needed. The defense really fell off when DE Aaron Smith went out with injury two years ago and the Steelers want to make sure they have a viable backup and replacement in the near future.
Round 2, pick # 64 – Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
Robinson is a real road grader that will allow the Steelers to get back to a physical running style. At over 6’ 3” and 330 lbs., he runs a 4.7 40, easily getting out into space and attacking LBs at the second level. Has a lot of pass blocking experience with Oklahoma. Nimble feet allow him to shadow DL well in protection. Very aggressive with his initial punch.
Round 3, pick # 96 – DeAngelo Smith, CB, Cincinnati
Nice size speed ratio at 5’ 11”, 190 lbs., and has run sub 4.5s. Is physical and has played some safety at UC, nice blitzing potential. Smith is versatile and a dedicated player. He works to get better. Smith is a player that can play multiple spots in the secondary as a nickel and dime back before challenging for a starting position opposite Ike Taylor.
Round 4, pick # 132 – Johnny Knox, WR, Abilene Christian
Has excellent speed, one of the fastest of the fast, running sub 4.4s. Not big, 5’ 11”, 190 lbs., but not small for a player with such speed and quickness. Good route runner who will improve with pro coaching. Colbert and Co. commented at the scouting combine that this year’s group of receivers is the fastest as a whole that they have timed. The Steelers get a vertical player who can operate out of the slot and bring big play ability to the team. Knox improves the kickoff return game right away.
Round 5, pick # 168 – Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty
A big back at 6’ 2”, 235 lbs. Not a burner, but enough speed to get to the outside and keep defenses honest. Jennings is a move the chains type of runner who can wear down a defense. Can catch the football well enough and is decent at blitz pick – ups and should only improve in those areas. Transferred to Liberty after leaving Pitt for family reasons. First player at Liberty drafted by the Steelers since TE Eric Green in the first round of 1990. Steelers initially get a good role playing back who could well warrant more carries in the future.
Round 5, pick # 169 (compensatory pick) – Herman Johnson, OL, LSU
One of the largest beings on the planet at 6’ 7”, 382 lbs. Played guard at LSU, but also a little tackle. Has very long arms that help keep defenders at bay in pass protection. With his size, has difficulty getting good pad level to move defenders in the run game, but can engulf defenders at times with his sheer size. Lacks athleticism, but can still improve his footwork. Johnson is really a project despite his size and his coming out of a major college program. The Steelers take a flier since it is an extra compensatory pick. Will likely have to become a right tackle in the NFL.
Round 6, pick # 205 – Julius Williams, OLB, Connecticut
Played DE in college, but projects as a 3-4 rusher in the NFL. Right about at 6’ 2”, 260 lbs. Has a great motor and gets after the QB. Fast and quick in pursuit. The Steelers take an educated guess on another player who projects to a pass rushing outside linebacker in their 3-4. Will play with great effort on special teams while he develops.
Round 7, pick # 226 (from Tampa Bay) – Chris Owens, CB, San Jose State
Pretty good size at 5’ 10”, 185 lbs. Not a blazer, but adequate speed in the 4.5 range. Likes to play receivers very physical moving them off their routes. Colbert and Co. bring in a gritty corner that will compete for a roster spot and make the secondary better.
Round 7, pick # 241 – Antonio Dixon, NT, Miami (Fla.)
Massive at 6’2”, 326 lbs. Not as consistent a force as he should have been in college, but flashed dominance. Does not provide an up the field push or pass rush ability, but clogs running lanes well. The Steelers take a player who projects as a nose tackle in their 3 – 4 defense, which is the second most important position after outside linebacker. Dixon will have to rev his motor up in the NFL to be effective, but the Steelers need to develop a young nose tackle behind Hampton and Chris Hoke.
The Steelers should make a better defense of their Super Bowl title this year than they did in 2006, but this year’s draft class is unlikely to have much of an impact in that regard. Since getting flashy with Mendenhall and Sweed with high picks last year, the 2009 draft must get back to insuring the franchise has the linemen needed on both sides of the ball. Regardless, Colbert and Co. will undoubtedly make some outstanding selections that significantly contribute to the continued success of the organization. |
