Pittsburgh Steelers: Which Veterans Could Be Out Due To The Team's Draft?

The Pittsburgh Steelers did a great job in the 2011 NFL Draft of filling their biggest needs and getting a bunch of guys that I think will be starters eventually.

I imagine that not every Steelers player was happy with the team’s draft, since as new players come in, that means some guys will be out of a job.

I actually think there is a good chance that at least six or all seven of the Steelers draft picks will make the team.

Here I’ve paired each rookie coming in with a veteran that will probably not be back with the team next season.

Cameron Heyward DE – Nick Eason DE

Nick Eason has been a solid back up defensive end in his four seasons with the Steelers, however the team is trying to get younger on the defensive line.

Cameron Heyward was drafted in the first round this year and along with Ziggy Hood, is the future of the Steelers defensive line.

Marcus Gilbert OL – Trai Essex OL

With all of the injuries the Steelers suffered along the offensive line in 2010, Trai Essex actually became an important piece to the team.

The Steelers could elect to keep Essex due to his versatility, however I think Marcus Gilbert will showcase his own versatility and thus, leave the team able to part ways with Essex.

Curtis Brown CB – William Gay CB

William Gay has been much maligned by most Steelers fans, although there are some who still defend him, however I think the Steelers have taken steps to get rid of him.

Curtis Brown is a great cover guy and I think he, and guys like Keenan Lewis and Crezdon Butler, will get a chance to take the third corner spot on the team.

Cortez Allen CB – Will Allen S

When the Steelers signed Will Allen last offseason, I thought it was a great pickup because the team had basically no one behind Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark.

Well, Allen never really did much in his first season as a Steeler and was injured for a chunk of it, and Steelers even used Ryan Mundy ahead of him when Troy went down in the season.

I could see the Steelers converting Keenan Lewis, Crezdon Butler or Cortez Allen to safety this offseason, which would allow them to cut Allen.

Christopher Carter LB – Keyaron Fox LB

Keyaron Fox would still be a solid player for any team he goes to, however, the Steelers are loaded at linebacker and Fox was relegated to a special teams player last season.

The Steelers have Larry Foote as their primary veteran backup and rookie Christopher Carter will contribute on special teams along with fellow young guys, Jason Worilds and Stevenson Sylvester.

Keith Williams G – Tony Hills OT

I thought Tony Hills was not even going to make the roster last offseason however, he actually had a good camp and earned his spot.

The only problem is that Hills couldn’t make it to the field, even when the Steelers desperately needed a tackle, and I think his time is up as a Steeler.

Baron Batch RB – Mewelde Moore RB

I am a big fan of Mewelde Moore and everything he can bring to a team, however, I don’t see the Steelers bringing him back next season.

Rashard Mendenhall has been getting better in passing situations and rookie Baron Batch could surprise in camp and become the teams primary third down back.