The Steelers First Round Dilemma

This time of year, in the NFL, most teams have gone out and addressed some key needs via free agency. The Pittsburgh Steelers, on the other hand, have not. 

After nearly a month of free agency the good old Stillers have yet to persuade a single free agent to join their cause. Which seems odd, considering they are the reigning Super Bowl champs. Therefore, the issue is either low monetary offers, or the concerns players have about a relatively small market, and decreased exposure to the rest of the NFL.

Obviously this puts more pressure on the draft crew for the Steelers.

The Director of Players and Personnel is Kevin Colbert. He, along with head coach Mike Tomlin, call most of the shots.

Year after year many teams use the draft as a way to develop players for the future, so they can win down the road. The Steelers, by comparison, usually lean on the draft as a means to win in the present and in the future. 

This makes drafting success incredibly important.

At first glance the glaring weakness for Pittsburgh is the offensive line. Surrendering nearly fifty sacks, and not producing a strong running game (long a staple of black and gold squads) support the idea that Colbert, and Tomlin, should look to the line in the first round of the April draft.  

Doing this would mean taking a player such as Max Unger, A.Q. Shipley, or Duke Robinson. While they make good cases, none of these players are completely worthy of a prized first round selection. 

The Steelers develop players well, and usually have veterans in place. This gives the Steelers the luxury of drafting the best player available, rather than drafting out of pure need. 

While I do agree that the O-line is weak, they did hold their own in the playoffs and in the Super Bowl. To be exact, they appeared to be a young and inexperienced unit that needed time to work together. 

Losing Alan Faneca (free agency) and Marvel Smith (back injury), two highly touted and experienced veterans, was a huge factor for the blocking breakdown they experienced. 

To get to the point, my view is that the Steelers should look to the defensive side of the line.

Certainly Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith, the bookends, are cemented until their retirement. The same can be said for nose tackle Casey Hampton. When these players come out there is a significant drop in productivity.

Tackles become less of a sure thing, and runners jet through holes with ease. In my opinion, the Steelers need depth along this position much more than they do on the flip side of the line.  

Some suggestions for the Steelers await you.

Paul Kruger, a DE out of Utah, is an excellent tackler who locks up his spot and dosen't allow anyone past. He also had great pass rushing numbers at Utah.

Jarron Gilbert, a DE out of San Jose State, is a versatile pass rusher with great football intelligence.

Sen' Derrick Marks, a big DT from Auburn, is an outstanding gobbler, who gobbles up blockers, and swarms the running back.

Evander Hood is probably the best selection for Steelers. He has a constant motor, and drives for the ball. Pass rushing and run stopping skills are well balanced, and has an excellent nose for the ball.

Knowing the Steelers, we'll just have to wait and see.