Ben Roethlisberger: 5 Prospects Pittsburgh Must Surround Him With

While Ben Roethlisberger's style of play may be affected by the latest proposed rule changes that redefine "in the grasp" rulings, the focus must be on who the Steelers need to surround their star quarterback with to make him more successful.

Big Ben already has a lot of talent around him, but there are some prospects in this year's NFL draft that could tip the balance even more in his favor.

Here are five players that Pittsburgh should consider drafting on the offensive side of the ball.

1. Alex Henery, K (Nebraska)

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 13: Alex Henery #90 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers kicks an extra point against the Kansas Jayhawks during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Kansas 20-3. (Photo by Eric Francis/

Why?

What does a kicker have to do with surrounding Ben Roethlisberger with talent? Well, a lot.

Last year, when Roethlisberger and the offense couldn't close the deal themselves, they often left the team in range for a field goal attempt. At first, Jeff Reed frequently failed to capitalize on several of these opportunities. Once he was let go, Shaun Suisham rarely missed for Pittsburgh, ensuring that the Steelers routinely came away with at least three points.

Suisham is a free agent and may not return. With a weak market for veteran kickers, the Steelers may look toward the draft to find a permanent solution at the position.

Who's Alex Henery?

He's an extremely accurate and strong-legged kicker from Nebraska who is also the top kicking prospect in this year's draft.

He doesn't seem to be adversely affected by different surfaces or weather conditions, although judging kicker performance in college is a very inexact science. Good college kickers don't always translate well to the NFL.

Henery does have an extra talent, however. He's also a punter. That ability isn't always crucial for kickers, but for a Pittsburgh team also seeking a solution at that position, it may put Henery in a top position for Pittsburgh's later round selections.

2. Derek Sherrod, OT (Mississippi State)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Brignone #70 and Derek Sherrod #79of the Mississippi State Bulldogs get ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Why?

Last year, the Steelers' offensive line was decimated by injuries. At both tackle positions, Pittsburgh lost its starters. Improving the line is one of two major focuses in this offseason (corner is the other). Currently, the Steelers have Max Starks returning to left tackle and aging Flozell Adams at right tackle.

Adams had a great season for Pittsburgh, but at his age, he's no longer a long-term solution. Pittsburgh figures to have its pick of offensive linemen at the end of the first round and may elect to go either with a guard or a tackle in that position.

Who's Derek Sherrod?

Sherrod was an All-American candidate for Mississippi State, where he played left tackle. He's got excellent size (6'6", 305 lbs.) and is a mobile lineman with great range, movement and agility. He's an effective run or pass blocker.

He's got good technique and is considered an elite athlete for the position he plays.

Should the Steelers select him, they could choose to restructure Adams' contract and let Sherrod earn his way past the aging tackle during the season, or they could choose to swap Sherrod with Max Starks and have Starks play right tackle and leave Sherrod at his natural position.

Sherrod can play either tackle spot and figures to be starting at one of them by midseason at the latest.

3. Orlando Franklin, OG (Miami)

Doug Benc/Getty Images

MIAMI - OCTOBER 25: Offensive lineman Orlando Franklin #74 of the Miami Hurricanes drops back to block while taking on the Wake Forest Demon Decons at Dolphin Stadium on October 25, 2008 in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated Wake Forest 16-10. (Photo by Dou

Why?

Like tackle, the Steelers also have a profound need at guard, where they split snaps between Doug Legursky, Chris Kemoeatu, Trai Essex and Ramon Foster last season. Foster and Kemoeatu spent the most time at the guard spots, but neither is viewed as a lock for Pittsburgh's future.

Kemoeatu often plays with too much of a mean streak and makes stupid mistakes and penalties. He also has technique issues and isn't always a solid blocker. He struggles with pulling consistently, which is a key component of Pittsburgh's running attack.

Foster stood out most in a weak group of right guards, which doesn't say much. There's some belief he could be a long-term answer, but the Steelers won't hesitate to upgrade in the draft if the right player falls to them.

Who's Orlando Franklin?

He's got great size (6'7", 312 lbs.) for an NFL guard and has the technique and pulling ability the Steelers require at the position. He can play on either side, but he would probably get his first opportunity at right guard for the Steelers, who are still hoping to correct Kemoeatu's shortcomings with coaching and time.

Franklin pairs his excellent size with a good ability to anchor and hold his ground. He's a likely second or third-round prospect, so the Steelers could feasibly nab both him and Derek Sherrod to solidify their offensive line.

4. Derrick Locke, RB (Kentucky)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 13: Derrick Locke #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Commonwealth Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 38-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge

Why?

Why would Pittsburgh want another running back? Well, Mewelde Moore is a free agent for starters. He's been a steady contributor as the third-down back and a pass-catching threat. He's not expected to return, so Pittsburgh is now only two deep at a prime position.

The Steelers already have Rashard Mendenhall, who's a tough inside runner who has the quickness to get outside on occasion. Mendenhall has recorded back to back 1,000 yard efforts and should only get better as the offensive line improves.

The Steelers also have Isaac Redman, a red-zone specialist who is versatile and probably hasn't yet touched his potential.

What the Steelers don't have, however, is a speed back in the mold of former Steeler Willie Parker.

Who's Derrick Locke

Locke isn't quick. He's flat out fast. He's got Mike Wallace-type speed and can score any time he's given the ball.

He's smallish at 5'8" and 186 pounds, but he's got the speed to get away from would-be tacklers. He's comparable in skill set to what Darren Sproles has brought to the Chargers. He won't likely be durable enough to start, but he could be a wonderful change of pace guy and would instantly give Ben Roethlisberger another home run threat.

He's a projected mid-round selection, so Pittsburgh could take him after addressing some major needs.

5. Henry Hynoski, FB (Pittsburgh)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 04: Henry Hynoski #27 of the Pittsburgh Panthers runs with the ball during the Big East Conference game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh won 28-10. (Photo b

Why?

This has more to do with the tight end position than the fullback spot. Pittsburgh hasn't employed a true fullback in their offense since Dan Kreider departed but could choose to pick one late in the draft for several reasons.

Matt Spaeth, the Steelers' No. 2 tight end, is a free agent and may leave and pursue a larger role somewhere else. If he departs, David Johnson, who played fullback last year, could move back to his natural position and replace Spaeth. Johnson is an effective blocker and can catch the occasional pass as well.

If Johnson moves to tight end, the Steelers would need a lead blocker. Isaac Redman had some time there last year but wasn't impressive in the role, so Pittsburgh may go with someone new.

Who's Henry Hynoski?

He's already played at Heinz Field for several years for Pitt, and he's a huge blocker who almost resembles a slightly undersized lineman. He's excellent in the fullback role but can also catch passes out of the backfield.

He's an attractive option for Pittsburgh because he gives the team an opportunity to have a tight end-type weapon in a fullback. Hynoski could probably play as the team's third tight end, which would free up a roster spot for someone else (another receiver maybe?).

He'll be on the board late and could be a candidate for a late-round flier.