2010 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers' First Round Strategies and Possibilities

A few weeks ago, it seemed almost assured that the Pittsburgh Steelers would draft a cornerback or offensive lineman with their first selection, that they'd possibly trade down but not up, and that they would be able to, with almost every offensive position set, address a defense that looked terrible last year.

Well, we can throw all of that certainty out the window.

A few weeks, a big trade, and a suspension later, the Steelers' draft strategy couldn't be more muddled and confusing. 

Instead of heading into the draft with the deepest receiving corps in the NFL, the Steelers now seem to have a need for a new top wideout.

Also, there might be a need at quarterback depending on which way the Steelers proceed with the crestfallen Ben Roethlisberger.

So, with all of these changes, here's a look at what the Steelers could do in tonight's first round.

The "Stay the Course" Strategy

Possible Picks: Mike Iupati (OL), Maurkice Pouncey (C), Kyle Wilson (CB), Earl Thomas (S)

Why They Should Do This: Despite needing a top receiver and potentially a quarterback, the Steelers still need an offensive lineman or five and a cornerback or two. Iupati or Pouncey would be likely be mainstays for years to come on the line. Wilson could be an immediate upgrade over William Gay or Ike Taylor at corner and Thomas could also be a factor in the defensive backfield.

Why They Might Not: If the team chooses to deal Roethlisberger, none of these players are worth a top ten selection, which is what they are asking for Ben in any trade. They also might have a player they like more fall to them at the No. 18 pick, so there could be a surprise or two.

If They Do, They Should Take: Wilson was my pick a month ago and still is my pick today. The offensive line is patchwork at best, but the offense still managed to put up huge numbers last season. The defense, on the other hand, was awful. The secondary was a big reason for that.

The "Star Wide Receiver" Strategy

Possible Picks: Dez Bryant (WR)

Why They Should Do This: They need a wide receiver to replace the production of Santonio Holmes. Mike Wallace was great as a rookie, but he's not going to draw double teams so that Hines Ward and the other receivers can be more effective. Antwaan Randle El is back, but his workload shouldn't be as a top receiver. Bryant would be a Holmes-type receiver with huge potential.

Why They Might Not: I'm not too concerned about Bryant's character issues. They seem to be behind him now. But the Steelers might not be so forgiving after what they've been put through this offseason. The team also feels quite comfortable with their current corps of guys and they feel they have bigger needs to address.

If They Do, They Should Take: Well, Bryant obviously. They shouldn't have to trade up to get him and could potentially trade down a spot or two if they wanted to and could get value for doing so.

The "Goodbye Big Ben" Strategy

Possible Picks: Sam Bradford (QB), Jimmy Clausen (QB), Bruce Campbell (OT), Bryan Bulaga (OT), Rolando McClain (ILB)

Why They Should Do This: Roethlisberger has lost the city's faith. This is not something he will get back soon. He might never, no matter how model a citizen he manages to become. They could get a top-10 pick for Roethlisberger and then use it for a new franchise passer. They could also address the quarterback position in the late first or early second round and pick up a top talent here.

Why They Might Not: It would still be a bitter pill to trade an elite quarterback and enter the unknown once again. Plus, the one team who's pick would most interest the Steelers (the Rams, No. 1 overall) doesn't seem to be interested. If the Steelers can't draft Sam Bradford, it's unlikely they will go for Clausen, who has some maturity and character issues of his own. The rest of the top ten is an unsure group of talented players.

If They Do, They Should Take: If they entice the Rams, Bradford is the obvious choice. I'd love to see him in black and gold. If not, I'd go for Campbell. He's a beast of a tackle and he fills a huge need. McClain is also possible if they are in the bottom half of the first ten picks. I wouldn't take Bulaga since he's the most unsure of the players on the radar.

The "Trade Down" Strategy

Possible Picks: Tim Tebow (QB), Dez Bryant (WR), Colt McCoy (QB), Maurkice Pouncey (C)

Why They Should Do This: Tebow is the kind of player the Steelers want on their team. He's upstanding, immensely talented, and a hard worker.  He could replace Roethlisberger should the team part ways with him later. They could also trade down and still get Bryant or Pouncey, which would save some money.

Why They Might Not: Why trade down and risk losing out on someone you want when they are still sitting there at No. 18? If the team doesn't deal Roethlisberger, drafting Tebow would seriously crowd the depth chart.

If They Do, They Should Take: It would depend on their slot. If they deal Roethlisberger, keep their No. 18 overall selection, and pick Campbell. They could then deal down to No.  22 or 23 and take Tebow. If they keep Ben and trade down, they could get Bryant at No. 20 or 21. Those would be the two situations I'd like to see unfold.

So What's Going To Happen?

Well the short answer is that no one really knows except Pittsburgh. Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin know what they're doing, so it's safe to say that whatever they do will be effective and will improve an already good team.

I'd say the most likely scenario is for either Bryant or Wilson to be drafted at No. 18, although the likelihood of a Roethlisberger deal seems to be increasing with the rumors that Oakland or Buffalo might be interested.

I'm going to stick with my original pick: Kyle Wilson at No. 18 overall.

But I won't be shocked at all if things unfold very, very differently.