NFL Free Agency 2011: 6 Undrafted Free Agents the Pittsburgh Steelers Could Sign

Once the NFL's lengthy lockout finally ends, the Pittsburgh Steelers will join with the league's other 32 teams in what is sure to be a hurried period of free agency. Like every other team, they will not only look at established veterans, but will also sift through the remnants of the 2011 NFL Draft class.

Those unsigned players have helped the team in the past,—Willie Parker and James Harrison are two of the more notable names to come from that group in recent years—and there's every reason to believe the Steelers may just pluck another gem from the rough.

Here are the first six undrafted free agents I expect the Steelers to pursue and sign once the lockout is lifted and business resumes.

Henry Hynoski, FB (Pittsburgh)

What He Brings

He's a solid, well-built back who can gain tough yards in the middle or even catch the ball out of the backfield. The Steelers would be wise to bring a true fullback back to the offense so they can help supplement what should be an improving offensive line.

Hynoski would also free up David Johnson to take over as the team's top backup at tight end. Johnson previously had played fullback for the Steelers. He could move up the depth chart with Matt Spaeth entering free agency for the first time.

Roadblocks

The only major roadblock here is the decision on how Pittsburgh wants to approach its running game.

If they're more apt to stick with a spread out system, they might use Isaac Redman as the fullback. If they want to return to a more run-oriented set of packages, they would be wise to sign a true fullback like Hynoski.

Kevin Rutland, CB (Missouri)

What He Brings

Rutland's got decent speed and measurables for the position, but he went undrafted because he's more of a project than most other players from his draft class and position. Rutland is a raw talent, but he improved with each college season at Missouri, and he has the potential and skills to develop into a solid third corner or maybe even a starter. 

With the Steelers thin at the position and likely to lose William Gay in free agency, the team could add Rutland as a developmental player and project for new secondary coach Carnell Lake and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.

Roadblocks

The Steelers look likely to re-sign Ike Taylor and already drafted two corners. That combination likely gives them a full complement of players.

That said, it wouldn't hurt to get a guy who can come in, compete and then sit on the practice squad for a year or two and develop. James Harrison wasn't a starter overnight either.

Ian Williams, DT (Notre Dame)

What He Brings

Williams has decent size and speed, but will likely need to bulk up to play defensive tackle in the NFL.

He showed flashes of being a playmaker at Notre Dame, so he could become a nice piece for a NFL team. Williams has a nice skill set and can occupy multiple blockers, which is a key piece of the Pittsburgh defensive system.

The Steelers need depth along the defensive line, particularly at the tackle position. Chris Hoke is a free agent and isn't getting younger. Casey Hampton is still starting and excelling, but he seems to miss a little time each year with minor injuries. It makes sense to get a young player behind him who could possibly develop into a starter when Hampton hangs up the cleats for good.

Roadblocks

Williams may be a little small for a 3-4 defense, but he could use the developmental time behind Hampton to bulk up. The Steelers may also elect to go with experience behind Hampton, either with Hoke or with another player in the free agent market. Williams would be a nice piece, however.

Noel Devine, RB (West Virginia)

What He Brings

I was shocked Devine went undrafted. He's a home run hitter who can score any time he touches the football. That kind of speed and elusiveness is hard to find, but that is exactly what Devine brings to the table.

The Steelers have Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman currently on the roster, but neither of those guys is a speedy scoring threat who can just break away from the crowd regularly. Devine would be a nice piece for them and could also help out on returns, where his speed could make him very dangerous.

Roadblocks

This could be a case of too many backs.

If the Steelers go with a guy like Hynoski, they may not have room for Devine unless they want to use Hynoski as a third tight end in the jumbo packages. That could be the case, especially with a dearth of tight ends available on the cheap.

Again, it comes down to the team's approach on offense going forward.

Scott Tolzien, QB (Wisconsin)

What He Brings

Tolzien is a multi-threat passer who can throw the ball well and also has the mobility to get away from people. He's not a burner like Michael Vick, but he's not a statue either—he's basically a poor man's Ben Roethlisberger. His accuracy is a plus.

The Steelers could use a young quarterback to groom as Ben Roethlisberger's long-term backup.

Roethlisberger has rarely managed a full season of games thanks to his reckless style. With Charlie Batch likely to retire soon, and Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon not looking like long-term solutions, a guy like Tolzien makes sense.

Roadblocks

A lot depends on what the team does with Batch and Dixon.

They could bring Tolzien in as a fourth quarterback, then try to keep him on the practice squad. I don't anticipate the team keeping Dixon if someone makes an offer on him. Leftwich has only one year left on his deal and has been mediocre in limited stints.

Jarriel King, OG (South Carolina)

What He Brings

King is another player I thought would be drafted, but the offensive line class was rather deep in 2011. He's a quick guard who is good at maintaining blocks and keeping his quarterback clean. He's undersized, but somewhat makes up for it with good hand placement and a quick first step.

The Steelers got better along the offensive line drafting Keith Williams and Marcus Gilbert, but they could still use some fresh bodies for competition and development. Sean Kugler worked wonders on undrafted Doug Legursky before, so he could do it again with a guy like King.

Roadblocks

There doesn't seem to be a roadblock here really unless the team wants to stick with more experienced linemen. The Steelers have a track record of getting a least a lineman or two on the practice squad, so this could be the route King takes.