Who should the Steelers draft?

[RasslinCheerleader06]

yeah it would be something to see manning out there playin for the steelers... but its most likely not going to happen!!!!!!

[JVfan]

My mini-mock draft for the Steelers:

As I've said, I really like Sean Taylor but the reality is--he's just not going to be there at the 11th spot. I also think trading up for him would be a mistake. This draft is too deep to be giving up picks.

With the Steelers signing Staley, I have to figure Steven Jackson is no longer in their plans. I also figure that he's just become very big in New Englands plans. Since NE has two low first round draft picks and they desparately need a top flight running back, I'd trade down with them.

No. 1 pick: Vernon Carey--tackle Univ. of Miami. Technically flawless at tackle his junior year and he's huge. His stock fell his senior year because they asked him to play guard. This guy would be a steal in the lower part of the first round.

No. 1b. Either Jake Grove, center Va. Tech or Nick Leckey, center Kansas St. Lets face it---Hartings' knees are shot and they aren't going to improve as its a chronic condition. Grove is a nasty, mean player who can also play guard.

Rd. 2. Phillip Rivers--QB NC State. Has a bit of a hitch in his throwing motion but put up big time numbers--very accurate thrower and may be less of a risk than Rothlisberger.

The Steelers still need to address their secondary and I think they will thru FA. Maybe Bobby Taylor or Troy Vincent???? Maybe even Ty Law.

[voncap]

Some great points JVfan, but I can't imagine NE given up two first round picks just to moveup. They may give up one first round pick and a second or third rounder to move, but I doubt two first rounders. If NE is willing to do that, the Steelers would be crazy not to make the move.

IMO, the Steelers biggest needs are on defense, and they need to address those needs as early as possible in the draft. I strongly agree with the statement you win championships with defense and last year the Stiller's defense was extremely weak.

[Coach]

I would not, would not, would not, would not draft a first round QB as I read so much of on ESPN.com. There are guys like Jeff Garcia, Tim Couch, etc, etc available every year. I don't like taking rookie QBs early. I mean look at Cincy, Kitna is out now too. There are proven QBs around. Also, Maddox had a down year because he played on a team that was hobbled by injuries on the Oline. That Oline was so makeshift that it was disgusting. Marvel will be healthy again so we are alright. He is a good pass blocker so you could take the guy from Arkansas since he is such a good run blocker to balance things out.

To get Gallery the Steelers would HAVE to move up in the draft, and I don't think they should throw picks away. The only way they can move up is maybe offering Plex and #11 to a team in the top 5. That would maybe get it done. A team not desperately in need could get a darn good WR that can stretch the field AND still pick high enough to probably get who they would really like.

[Eaglealum]

What about the big tackle from USC?I can't remember his name,but he is an awesome run blocker,and huge!DBs should be high on the list.There aren't alot of big time corners available.Artrell Hawkins or a lower priced FA could be a stop gap.But they need to draft a guy who can develope.Scott will be ok,he's showing signs of life.The #1 from last year needs to start producing now or he could be trade bait.

[voncap]

I totally agree with Coach on the QB issue. Look how many teams have starting QB's who were picked up some way other than the draft. I bet it would easier to name the teams that have a starting QB they drafted. My guess is less than half.

I know there are no guarantees, but IMO a player drafted in the first round should be as close to a sure thing as you can get. Other than Manning, the other QB's are not proven enough to be the top pick, for a team that has some other more obvious weaknesses(O-Line & D-Backs come to mind) that need addressed.

[noname]

They need some linemen. The problem last season wasnt the running backs it was the Line. Sign couple guys there that can help there.

[JVfan]

voncap...

Maybe it is just a little bit of wishful thinking on my part but it really could happen.

The Pats have five picks in the first three rounds---seven total first day picks. Thats a lot of money for a notoriously cheap organization.

Also keep in mind that they're Super Bowl champs with very few weaknesses. Running back happens to be one area they need help. They really like Jackson and they've got to believe he'll be gone by the time they're on the clock. A trade with the Steelers would assure them of getting a "need" player.

I realize that signing Staley has reduced the leverage the Steelers had. The Pats can now negotiate with the next team in line looking at running backs. But--anything can happen on draft day.

I just hope Colbert and Cowher will be a little more pro-active and smart this year. Its a great year for loading up.

[voncap]

JVfan, sounds like you have a real good grasp on the Stillers.

It could happen. You are right. Let's hope. I don't think it would be a bad thing if Cowher and crew could get a first round and second round pick from NE to allow Pats to move up. As you stated, a good year for loading up(especially the positions where they need help) and the more picks the Steelers have the better, especially in later round because that seems to be the rounds where they get there most productive players.

[southpaw]

I agree with voncap about shoring up the defense. The Steelers Defense is predicated on the pass rush. No pass rush no sucess. They need to address this in FA with LB's and DE's who can get to the QB. That makes the DB's job alot easier.

O-line needs to be the highest priority in any draft. As you can development good o-lineman. IMO the hype about the really big O-lineman in the draft is garbage. The Broncos have had for years the best o-line in football and the its also the smallest!