11 picks
#18, 52, 82, 116, 151, 155phi/nyj, 164comp, 166comp, 188, 225, 242comp
Cornerback
Anyone who watched Aaron Rodgers torture their secondary knows this team needs better play at the cornerback position. The really unfortunate part is that the Steelers just spent middle round picks on Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett last year. It is unwise to totally give up on both already, but there is no time to wait around in the NFL. The Steelers need an upgrade. Making the matter more urgent, Gay was tendered as a restricted free agent after a disappointing first year as a starter, and signed it. Townsend will be out of town as an unrestricted free agent if anyone offers him more than the backup role Pittsburgh has in mind for him. Taylor will be a free agent next year as well. Their only saving grace is that the other teams in their division all ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in passing offense. However, because their goals include a deep playoff run where guys like Peyton Manning are lurking they need to set this position straight in a hurry. At least it appears the safety position is in better shape assuming Polamalu recovers from the Madden curse. Clark was given a new deal and Will Allen (Bucs) was added.
Defensive Line
First round pick Evander "Ziggy" Hood provided a much needed dose of youth for this unit. There are still five players who are at least 31. Making a deal with Casey Hampton at nose tackle was crucial in the short term, but he has only a couple years left. Along with Hood, they also have sixth round pick Ra'Shon Harris in the fold. More is definitely needed. Eason, who turns 30 in May, was brought back on a one year deal as a seldom used reserve. He did start 5 games last year when forced into action by injuries. If Hoke or Kirschke play beyond this season it would be surprising. Aaron Smith is 34 coming off a season ending injury, which is not a great combination. His loss wrecked their pass rush. One or two more rookies will definitely be in the plans because they can't count on these older players staying healthy a full year.
Offensive Line
The one thing this group has going for it is youth, other than the center position. As of draft day, Hartwig will be the only player over 28. Unfortunately, these guys are not keeping defenders from knocking Roethlisberger to the turf. I wish I had the "knocked down" totals at my fingertips because I'm sure they would be alarming. The sack totals are disturbing enough. In the past 4 seasons Big Ben has been taken down 46, 47, 46 and 50 times for an average of 3.1 per start. Last year they lost an average of 23.2 yards per game due to sacks, by far the most in the NFL. By contrast, the league's best in that department (Tennessee) lost 73 the entire season. A good way to start solving this problem would be finding someone worthy of their great legacy at center. The tackles, Starks and Colon, have to shoulder a lot of the blame. Colon signed his free agent tender to stick around. Jonathan Scott (Bills) was added as a backup, and reunites with another reserve Tony Hills who he played next to in college at Texas. At guard Ramon Foster, who was not drafted, outplayed rookie Kraig Urbik who was a second round pick. The team spun this as a positive of course. Neither of them are threatening to start for a line that has not exactly blown up holes for the running game. Pittsburgh managed only 112.1 yards per game. This is clearly not your older brother's Steelers, but that's a pretty low number. They will look for a better center and another tackle.
Running Back
Draft observers might have been surprised when the Steelers used a first round pick on falling Illinois star Rashard Mendenhall two years ago, but it was absolutely the right move. After cutting "no longer fast" Willie Parker, he will now take over the featured role. His rookie campaign was uneventful thanks to an early season-ending injury, but last year he had 267 touches for 1,369 yards. Now the task becomes finding someone to back him up. Veteran Mewelde Moore saw his touches drop from 180 in 2008 to 56 last year. They might go right back up next season, but a third option will still be sought in the draft. An intriguing option could be Clemson's C.J. Spiller at #18 if he is on the board although I think they prefer to go bargain hunting this time.
Wide Receiver / Tight End
The Steelers shored up the receiver position with some savvy moves, reuniting with Super Bowl XL standout Randle El (Redskins) and adding Battle (49ers) to help offset the slow development of 2008 second round pick Limas Sweed. Then they pulled a stunner dealing away Santonio Holmes (Steelers). No one can truly replace aging Hines Ward when he finally breaks down, but with Holmes out I would no longer rule out an addition even after Mike Wallace's promising rookie season. At tight end, a blocking option could be sought. Heath Miller just set career highs by a wide margin in receptions (76) and yards (789) to lock down the receiving role. Matt Spaeth, who was given a fifth round restricted free agent tender which he signed, leaves a lot be desired behind him. They can find someone with a late round pick.
Linebacker
The Steelers are always in the market for another linebacker. They actually got even older in free agency by bringing back Larry Foote. He turns 30 in June while incumbent starters Farrior and Harrison are already into their 30's. With Fox and Timmons in the mix inside, Foote's addition puts them in good shape there. Picking someone up would be a luxury. On the outside Derrick Doggett was added from the CFL for a little depth. I fully expect them to perform their due diligence prior to the draft considering Harirson's age and Woodley entering his contract year. Koa Misi (Utah) has visited as part of this process. They have enough picks to take at least one linebacker.
