View topic - Draft Post-Script

[steelwest Profile]

You need to start with the fact that the Steelers had most positions covered pretty well based on last year's talent, including as to depth. Hence, the picks for this year had to have a designated purpose. Generally, on offense, we have a loaded team. WR returns the top 5 (counting Randel El) plus Sweed plus guys with time in the system like Grisham. In essence, unless you bring in Julio Jones, there is not much room at the inn. Same goes for RB, with the only exception being maybe a 3rd down back if Mewelde does not return. But you are likely drafting here for the practice squad. We have 3 TEs so no reason to take someone there. We do not need a QB. That leaves OL -- but we have a Pro Bowl Center, a decent LG, and two tackles that were hurt last year but may be returning (at least one will). We also have Flozell who looked adequate for one more year and two back-ups. We could use a quality RG but had several options play there last year. Mainly, we needed depth with some flexibility if Essex, or Scott, or Colon do not come back. We did not really need a starter now.
On D, we could use one more lineman at most, as we would have only six on the roster. LB was generally Ok except for maybe one developmental fill-in. Basically, the secondary was the one area where need existed and more bodies could be drafted with the expectation they may make the club. However, we still have McFadden, Gay, Lewis, Butler, and Taylor at CB (with the need to sign Taylor and/or Gay) and have at least Troy, Clark, and Mundy at safety. Hence, needs were CB, safety, and maybe DL with perhaps a stud OL if possible.
Based on the above, you have to like what we got. Good DL that hopefully will stick for 10 years. A swing tackle/guard that provides depth. A cover CB and a developmental CB. After that, a few stabs at OLB (may be a good player in 2 years), OG, and 3rd down RB. Hopefully, a few of these guys can play. If so, we helped ourselves. A stud CB may be in the future, along with a safety, LB, and maybe more OL help. It is nice we did not waste another pick on a QB that cannot play. No St. Pierre or Omar Jacobs. Let's hope for the best. Draft probably comes down to whether Gilbert and Brown can play. We will see.

[Steel Holiday Profile]

The rich get richer. A perfect draft as far as I'm concerned. More often than not football is a game won and lost by big guys on the line of scrimmage. Investing two high picks upgrading the trenches looks golden. Cameron Heyward adds youth and passion to an aging group of rock solid players. His presence could very well allow Aaron Smith to complete a full season. Marcus Gilbert is big, and he has a repertoire with last seasons first round homerun, stud center Maurkice Pouncey.

Curtis Brown in the 3rd!! Given the level of competition this player was exposed to, and after an impressive display of athleticism at the combine, such a selection has to be classified as a STEEEEL! Carnell Lake has the opportunity to make an immediate splash in his return to the team , as he tries to get the most out of this kid early. Lake will also attempt to discover the talents of Cortez Allen. The Stillers may explore the two dogs/one bone practice that was so keen with the wide receivers a season ago. Pittsburgh got tooled in the secondary vs. elite quarterbacks last season. Here the front office provided itself with a low risk/high reward chance of a quick turnaround.

The final few rounds are all about digging for hidden gems. The question is, who are these guys that other teams passed over. Chris Carter? He could be one. Keith Williams? Not everybody drafted always makes the roster, but certainly he could push a vet to appreciate his spot that much more if nothing else. Baron Batch? This young man has everything the Burgh is known to admire. He is a relentless hustler and a grade A personality. As long as he can pick up a blitz, we have a guy worth rooting on to make the roster.