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2008 NFL Draft Preview – Pittsburgh
Steelers
by Joseph
Mays
NFL Draft Analyst
4/21/08
Introduction
Year
one of the Mike Tomlin era started well. The Steelers bounced
back from an 8-8 season the year before and finished 10-6, capturing
the NFC North. Ben Roethlisberger rebounded from the distractions
of a year ago and made a case for being a top five QB in the
league. Willie Parker was competing for the rushing title until
he was lost with a busted leg in week 16 versus the Rams. Due to
a lack of depth at some key areas the Steelers looked worn out down the
stretch, culminating with a frustrating loss to Jacksonville in the
wild card round of the playoffs.
Rival Cleveland has an explosive offense and improving defense that
could threaten the Steelers hold on the division. In the past
Steelers football was about hard-nose, smash-mouth play but
Pittsburgh’s image could be changing. Rumors are swirling that
Head Coach Tomlin could change the defense from their traditional 3-4
to a Tampa 2 style 4-3. The Steelers offensive line is no longer
as powerful as it used to be and they have yet to truly replace Jerome
Bettis. With Roethlisberger, Parker, and Holmes running the “O”
Pittsburgh utilizes more of a finesse offense. The second draft
of the Tomlin era will prove if the current blueprint is here to stay
or merely a reprieve from the customary roots of Steeler football.
| Offseason Transactions (as of
April 19) |
| Player |
Action |
Comments |
| Jerame Tuman |
Cut |
Signed with Arizona |
| Allen Rossum |
Cut |
Signed with San Francisco |
| Cedrick Wilson |
Cut |
Unsigned |
| Clint Kriewaldt |
Cut |
Unsigned |
| Andre Frazier |
FA |
Resigned |
| Nate Washington |
FA |
Resigned |
| Nick Eason |
FA |
Resigned |
| Travis Kirschke |
FA |
Resigned |
| Brian St. Pierre |
FA |
Signed with Arizona |
| Clark Haggans |
FA |
Signed with Arizona |
| Alan Faneca |
FA |
Signed with NY Jets |
| Max Starks |
FA |
Transition |
| Dan Kreider |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Marquis Cooper |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Verron Haynes |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Chris Kemoeatu |
RFA |
Resigned |
| Greg Warren |
RFA |
Resigned |
| Trai Essex |
RFA |
Resigned |
| Justin Hartwig |
Signing |
From Carolina |
| Keyaron Fox |
Signing |
From Kansas City |
| Mewelde Moore |
Signing |
From Minnesota |
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| 2007 Statistics |
| Offense |
| Points/Game |
24.6 |
9th |
| Yards/Game |
327.4 |
17th |
| Rush Yards/Game |
135.5 |
3rd |
| Pass Yards/Game |
191.9 |
22nd |
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| Defense |
| Points Allowed/Game |
16.8 |
2nd |
| Yards Allowed/Game |
266.4 |
1st |
| Rush Yards Allowed/Game |
89.9 |
3rd |
| Pass Yards
Allowed/Game |
176.5 |
3rd |
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Areas
of Need
The biggest concern
in Pittsburgh is the transition of the offensive line. Alan
Faneca is gone and the center position, for the first time ever, is a
question mark. Elsewhere depth and young talent is absent at WR,
CB, and along the defensive line. For back-to-back division
championships these areas must be addressed.
Wide
Receiver – Santonio Holmes has taken the reigns from Hines Ward,
whose productivity has declined for the past two years. Nate
Washington was brought back but Cedrick Wilson was released.
Eventually a new target will be needed to replace Ward. Depending
on how the 22 teams pick in front of them, the Steelers may find that
their best option in round one. There aren’t many big WRs in the
draft.
Possible Targets (Round) – Limas Sweed, Texas (1); James Hardy, Indiana
(1); Jordy Nelson, Kansas State (2); Paul Hubbard, Wisconsin (5); Mario
Urrutia, Louisville (6)
Offensive
Line – Once a staple in the Steel City, the line has dwindled
in prestige over the last two years. Chukky Okobi and Sean Mahan
weren’t the answer at center so Justin Hartwig was brought in.
Alan Faneca is in New York. Willie Colon may be better suited at
guard but for now is fighting with Max Starks, Marvel Smith, and Trai
Essex for the two tackle positions. Chris Kemoeatu was resigned
and has some promise. Offensive linemen can be had in all rounds
of the draft so using a 1st rounder is not entirely necessary but will
be considered.
Possible Targets (Round) – OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College (1); OT
Sam Baker, USC (1); OC Mike Pollak, Arizona State (2); OG Chilo Rachal,
USC (2); OG Roy Schuening, Oregon State (3)
Defensive
Line – Who the Steelers take in the draft at these positions
will speak volumes about what kind of “D” the Tomlin regime wants to
use for years to come. Basically, bigger DTs and DEs mean the 3-4
stays. Assuming that is the case depth is a concern for
now. All of the starters are 30 or older.
Possible Targets (Round) – NT Red Bryant, Texas A&M (3); NT Ahtyba
Rubin, Iowa State (3); DE DeMario Pressley, N.C. State (4); NT Frank
Okam, Texas (4); DE Letroy Guion, Florida State (5)
Cornerback
– Ike Taylor played up to
par with his contract last year, finally. Deshea Townsend may be
slowing down although Bryant McFadden may be ready to step up.
William Gay and Anthony Madison are behind them. Bringing in
another player for competition makes sense.
Possible Targets (Round) – Patrick Lee, Auburn (3); Tyvon Branch,
Connecticut (3); Jack Williams, Kent State (4); Orlando Scandrick,
Boise State (5); Terrence Wheatley, Colorado (6)
| 2008 Draft Picks |
| Round |
Pick
(Overall) |
Comments |
| 1 |
23 (23) |
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| 2 |
22 (53) |
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| 3 |
25 (88) |
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| 4 |
24 (123) |
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| 5 |
21 (156) |
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| 6 |
22 (188) |
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