2009 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 2009 offseason is getting ready to start for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I know free agency started over a month ago, but not in Pittsburgh.

As a Steeler fan, I dread the start of free agency, and for good reason.

Normally, the door to the Steelers often only swings out.

This year was like no other. Nate Washington, Marvell Smith, and Bryant McFadden have all left for greener pastures and a bigger pay check.

The one thing the Steelers did is hang on to the people they truly want to keep.  Max Starks was franchised, and Chris Kemoteau resigned for less money than the Jets were offering.

So, for the first time since the Super Bowl, Steeler Nation is getting ready to welcome its newest additions.

Steeler fans should be glad that the people we have making the selections know what they are doing. In the last 10 years, Pittsburgh has selected a hit in the first round.

Guys like Big Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Heath Miller, and Santonio Holmes were all home runs.

Guys like Lawrence Timmons and Rashard Mendenhall, who have not cracked the starting lineup, show a lot of promise for the future.

So, who will be the players the Steelers target, come April 25?

Do not be shocked if in the first round, Pittsburgh does not address either of the lines.

First Round

Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah:

Smith has all the size (6-foot-4-inches, 215 lbs.) and speed (4.5 second 40) to be a force in the Steelers' secondary. I love Ryan Clark, I really do, but the hits he delivers are going to shorten his career. He is already 30 and entering the last year of his contract. 

A converted wide receiver, Smith can be the deep safety and allow Troy Polamalu to blitz and support the run.

Smith, who is a converted receiver, should excel in pass coverage.  And having a coach that converted from receiver to defensive back, I expect this to be a dream come true for Mike Tomlin.

Second round

Max Unger, C, Oregon:

Many people do not believe that Unger will be available late in the second round. I think the Steelers may trade up to get him. Most teams are reluctant to take a center in the first round, due to the money that will have to be paid. Most teams prefer to go with a tackle. Due to this, Pittsburgh will trade their fourth round pick to move up and grab Unger.

Now, I know most of you are saying, "WHAT? How can you say we aren't going to take a defensive lineman? Are you crazy?"

My reply is: well, no.

I believe that Dick LeBeau is entering the final years of his career. Mike Tomlin, as a defensive coordinator, ran a 4-3 and the Tampa 2 coverage.

If LeBeau does retire (and who could blame him), Tomlin will phase in his system.  If that is the case, then he would need to look for defensive linemen that would fit the 4-3.

Look for the Steelers to take two defensive linemen later in the draft, that can play defensive end in the 3-4 and be able to switch to defensive tackle in the 4-3.

The Steelers will look at Oregon defensive tackle Ra'Shon Harris. At 6'4, 300 lbs., Harris is the perfect size for a 4-3 defensive tackle, but undersized for a 3-4 nose guard.

I also expect the Steelers to select a receiver some time on day two, along with another DT/DE.

Whom ever the Steelers select, know that they are taking the best available player.