The 2008 NFL Draft is now history, and the Pittsburgh Steelers got some attention. John Clayton labeled them ‘winners’ before the second day even started. So what happened?
What happened was the Steelers did what they have always said they would do in the draft. They picked the best players on their board, no matter the position. And early on, great players fell to them like manna from heaven.
Let me get this out of the way early – most Steelers fans think that Tomlin and Colbert should have gone after o-line men earlier. I agreed with them – until they proved me wrong. They drafted the following:
An exciting running back who was originally predicted to be a top 10 or 15 pick. This guy is good. Willie Parker is better. Imagine the running attack the Steelers will have with these two guys on the field. It boggles the mind.
Did you see Rashard Mendenhall in the RoseBowl?
He ruled. 168 on the ground, another 50+ in the air against the Trojans. There’s more on this guy – check it out. He really was the second-best running back in the draft. And the Steelers got him at #23.
- B/R Ticket Guide
And then they got Limas Sweed.
This is Ben Roethlisberger’s tall receiver. OK, so here it is, the Steelers receiving corp: Hines Ward inside, in the slot, doing the tough work and LOVING it! Santonio Holmes with his incredible speed. Limas Sweed, big and tall in the red zone, making the plays. And as a fourth? The always exciting Nate Washington. I mean, seriously. It could be the best Wide Receiver corp in the league.
Number three? Bruce Davis to beef up the D. He put up impressive numbers at UCLA, is the son of former NFL offensive tackle Bruce Davis Sr. of the Oakland Raiders, and was a great find in the third round.
In Round number four, a little depth for the O-line. By the way, the folks who watch this 0-line every day feel alright about it. So try to stop worrying, Steeler nation! OK, back to pick number four….it’s an offensive tackle. Big, talented guy out of Texas. It’s all good, except he’s coming off a season-ending injury so you have that little unknown factor.
Round five? The pick that is confusing Steeler nation. QB by the name of Dennis Dixon. Wait! The Steelers have Ben Roethlisberger, why do they need a QB? Two reasons: Charlie Batch is approaching the twilight of his career and a quality backup is vital. And having a young QB on the roster will make Ben work even harder. It’s a win-win.
Another linebacker in round six, Iowa’s Mike Humpal. Plenty of upside but has major injury issues, so it’s a bit of a gamble. Then safety Ryan Mundy from West Virginia, who I have yet to find any info about.
But rest assured, the Steeler’s brain trust saw something in each one of these guys. And one of the things they saw is that each is reported to be a ‘good citizen.’ Young men who have not been in trouble, and who, by all reports, will do the Steeler’s proud on the character front.
All in all, not a bad draft.
Maybe the Steelers best since 2004. Only time will tell. But I know this…I’m one excited Steelers fan.
When does the season start?
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8 months ago
I really like Sweed. The thought Washington would take him, but Pittsburgh is just as good a fit. Sweed provides that over-the-middle presence that few others re capable of.
from 8 months ago
Thanks for the comment -- yeh, I'm pretty excited about Sweed. Ben's comment about a tall receiver was way overblown, but the Steelers did the right thing drafting him, since he's a talented receiver and was available for them.
8 months ago
i agree that the steelers took the best available players, but they also got the players they needed. they needed a back to compliment parker, and they needed a big wideout. they got both,and early. its always great to be a fan when your team doesnt make you scratch your head during the draft as they pass on the players you know they need for guys you never heard of.
from 8 months ago
So true. I really didn't wonder about any of their draft picks except Dixon, but once I learned more about him I get that one, too. Need to groom a new backup, and he could be the guy. Thanks for the comment.
8 months ago
The last two players were selected because they were determined to be good special team cover guys. As all Steeler fans know, kick coverage was a big problem and these guys will need to be studs on special teams if they hope to make the squad.
I would have taken the other OT out of Pitt in round 3 (he went to Panthers in round 4) but the more I read about the #3 pick (Davis) the better I feel about him. NOTE: I am PSU fan so the Pitt player is not a homer pick.
There really were no 3-4 DEs worth taking when we had the chance. I'd rather wait for another draft than reach. Too bad Otah did not drop but I might have been unable to resist Mendenhall even if Otah was available. I watch Big 10 football and Mendenhall is a real stud. He can catch and he can block too so I think he might see some reps as 3rd down back if he can learn Steelers blitz pickup schemes. I figured no way Mendenhall would last past Detroit and definitely not past Dallas. Thanks Matt and Jerry!
I hope Steelers plan to use Dixon as a Slash type change of pace guy because I don't like drafting backup QBs. But if you must draft a backup QB I think it wise to have them signed long term so you can develop them and they know your system. After a year or two playing behind Charlie and Ben he should be ready for short term duty but he'll still be inexperienced and I don't like that in my #2 QB. That's why Charlie is the perfect #2. He experienced as a former starter, loves Pgh and he can perform when called upon without making rookie mistakes. Using Dixon as a Slash would help his development by getting him on the field and making him an active member of the roster. I hope they don't covert him to WR. As a Slash, he'll be at least part QB.
GO STEELERS!
8 months ago
Great points, esp. about Dixon. He does need to get some playing experience if he's going to be a quality backup. Thanks for the comment.
8 months ago
Sweed was at a recent press conference with his 16 month old daughter, but no sign of her Mom. Not necessarily a serious character flaw, but (remembering the early days with Santonio Holmes), it would make me feel a lot better about these guys if they would at least acknowledge the other parent of their offspring. Or maybe it was Limas himself who carried the baby for 9 months, and went through the labor of birth. Not really a wrist injury that cost him half the season after all. :(
8 months ago
Perhaps the subject of the mom just didn't come up. I give him credit for taking care of the daughter, bringing her along. I do know what you mean about the mother's of their children, though -- there's been a lot of that going on with the Steelers these days, and it's unsettling.
8 months ago
As a Browns fan it was painful to watch so much talent fall to the Yinzers. If you can patch the O-Line up you will give the Pats, Colts and Bolts a run for their money. The 'Burgh is still the team to beat in the AFC North, unfortunately. Great analysis.
8 months ago
Thanks for the comment, Dr. Jeff.
I think the o-line is in better shape than people think. We have signed a new center, who was probably the biggest problem last year, other than those caused by injury. And Marvel Smith had a herniated disc removed from his back, and feels better than ever! I love Faneca, but he was a short-timer last year and has lost a step -- as Jets fans will soon find out. Since we have experienced players ready to work together on the o-line -- and new weapons on the offense -- I look forward to a good year.
By the way, congrats to the Browns on a terrific rebound in 2007. You guys are the team for us to beat in '08, and everyone knows it! You should have a great season.
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