Pittsburgh Steelers: Free Agent Pieces Clearing Up Draft Strategy

One day, two safeties, and two wide receivers (and one Super Bowl hero) later, we have a much clearer picture of what the Steelers intend to do with their draft strategy next month.

The Steelers welcomed Will Allen and Arnaz Battle yesterday and welcomed back Ryan Clark and Antwaan Randle El. Four players in one day is almost unimagined for the Steelers, but in typical fashion, they didn't break the bank and didn't get anything they didn't need.

The additions of Battle, a special teams standout and steady part-time receiver, and Randle El, hero of Super Bowl XL and primed for a secondary role in the Steelers pass offense, all but spells the end of Limas Sweed, who is expected to be cut in the coming weeks.

Clark and Allen, who came over from Tampa Bay and are familiar with Mike Tomlin, shore up the safety position and foreshadow the departure of free agent Tyrone Carter, the primary backup for the past several years.

These additions, while clearing up some existing roster questions, also clear up the team's draft strategy considerably.

The Steelers will have no roster spots available at wide receiver, where it was possible they would add a young talent to groom behind the team's veteran core. They also will likely not have a spot available at running back thanks to the presence of Stefan Logan (who will be listed as the sixth receiver).

Backup tight end Sean McHugh, recovered from injury, will likely take over as the team's fullback.

Allen and Clark solidify the safety position and, with Ryan Mundy, give it depth. There are no additional spots available there either.

Not among the additions were an offensive lineman to shore up the Steelers weak blocking, a younger linebacker capable of spelling James Farrior and possibly replacing him eventually, or a cornerback capable of doing what no Steelers corner did last season: cover somebody.

Those will be the vital needs likely addressed in the April draft, now the focal point for all football fans.

How and with who will the Steelers address those needs? Here's a look at some potential names and scenarios.

1. Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

If the Steelers stay put, as usual, with the 18th overall pick, Iupati is the player most often projected to be selected. He's a raw talent, but he's big, physical, and has excellent measurables. He could be the next Alan Faneca.

2. Joe Haden, CB, Florida

If the Steelers do what they did in 2003 (Troy Polamalu) and move up in the first round, Haden could be their target. Despite a lousy combine performance, Haden is an excellent coverage guy, which is exactly what the Steelers need now that Anquan Boldin and possibly Terrell Owens or Brandon Marshall are arriving in the AFC North.

3. Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

If the Steelers decide to trade back in the first round and collect more picks, Wilson would be a good pick in the early- to mid-20s. Wilson isn't a "start immediately" guy necessarily, but he has the potential to be excellent. Taking him at 18 would be a huge reach.

4. Bryan Bulaga, OL, Iowa

Bulaga is another trading up guy, but the Steelers need offensive line help, so he could be in the mix if they feel they can afford to deal. He's a sure talent, but Iupati might be the more athletic player and is likely the guy the Steelers will go after since he can play at multiple spots.

The Steelers would love a shot at Rolando McClain, the inside linebacker who could replace James Farrior, but unless he falls out of the top 10 and into the middle of the pack, the Steelers won't trade that far up for a player they don't need immediately.

The Steelers should address these needs in the first two rounds and then look to shore up depth along the defensive line and possibly add a linebacker in the middle rounds to push Farrior.

The Steelers may also use multiple picks at the need positions above, as they represent the only major weaknesses on an otherwise strong roster.

A late-round pick could be spent on a kicker to sit on the practice squad in case the team cannot retain Jeff Reed next year or a running back to develop behind Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore.

And, unfortunately, it may not be a bad idea to take a very late flier on a quarterback. Just in case, you know.