NFL Draft 2011: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the Pittsburgh Steelers
With very definite needs at corner and along the offensive line, as well as secondary needs on the defensive line and for depth at key spots, this is definitely an important draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
No NFL team has been able to work through free agency thanks to the ongoing lockout, so the draft will be the first opportunity for teams to improve their rosters and plug notable holes. They will also have to do so without the benefit of knowing if key free agents will return or not.
Here is a look at five scenarios for how the draft could make or break the Pittsburgh Steelers' chances next year.
Best Case Scenario: Steelers Get Their Man in Round 1
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What Needs to Happen
The Steelers absolutely must improve at corner and along the offensive line in this draft. Signing stop-gaps like Flozell Adams will only carry them so far for so long.
Both positions boast deep draft classes this year, with multiple players earning first-round status in the various rankings and mock drafts.
If the Steelers can get a solid pick at either position in the first round, they've accomplished a huge part of their offseason mission.
Who's the Guy?
Mike Pouncey (G/C) and Aaron Williams (CB) top the wish lists of many fans and are amongst the most common picks in mock drafts everywhere, but they aren't the only people who would fulfill the team's needs.
They could select corner Jimmy Smith from Colorado if he falls deeper than expected. They could also get one of the top linemen (Gabe Carimi, Anthony Castonzo, Derek Sherrod) depending on how things play out ahead of their pick.
Bottom Line
If the Steelers get a corner or offensive lineman in the first round that isn't a reach, they've accomplished their mission.
Worst Case Scenario: Steelers Trade Up in Round 1
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Why They Should Stay Put
Most years, I would say that trading up is a good thing if you can get one of your targeted players. Not this time.
Pittsburgh has no compensatory or other extra selections this year. They have one pick in each round and more needs than picks. Trading up will involve packaging picks they just can't spare and could even mean surrendering future selections. That's never a good scenario.
If the Steelers feel the pressing need to move, they'd do better to move down in the draft.
What Else Could Go Wrong?
Right now, the Steelers stand to be able to address those two major needs in the first and second rounds regardless of which order they choose to operate.
If you trade up, you likely lose that second-round pick. That removes a lot of good players from reach. With two major needs on opposite sides of the ball, addressing both quickly is essential.
Also, the more picks you lose, the fewer secondary needs you can fill. There are no guarantees with free agency this season, so the time to make moves is during the draft.
Bottom Line
Moving up isn't usually a bad thing, but in this case, it's a dangerous proposition for a team with lots of needs and a limited number of selections.
Best Case Scenario: Steelers Get a Young Defensive Tackle
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Why They Need a Defensive Tackle
We know the Steelers absolutely need a new offensive tackle. But do they really need a defensive tackle too?
Yes. Casey Hampton isn't getting any younger and he is gradually becoming less effective. He's a great player, so he's still got a ton of skill and talent, but there are noticeable pieces missing from his game. With his aversion to workouts and conditioning, there are a lot of risks that come with his presence in the lineup.
There's also the factor of free agency. Chris Hoke, Hampton's longtime backup, is a free agent and could sign elsewhere.
Who's the Guy?
There are a lot of choices here for third- or fourth-round picks. Probably the top candidate is Jasper Jenkins of Clemson. He projects to be a similar player to Hampton with the same skill set. That would be a big boost for the team's depth immediately and would ease concerns about the collective age of the defensive line in the long term.
Jerrell Powell is another name that could come up, as is Ian Williams of Notre Dame. Both would be a good fit and would have time to grow into a starting role with the Steelers.
Bottom Line
This is another, less discussed, area of need for the Steelers. They need to start working on getting younger on defense.
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Worst Case Scenario: Steelers Don't Take Multiple Offensive Linemen
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Why They Need More Than One
In my latest mock draft, I projected the Steelers to take both Stefan Wisniewski (G/C) and Marcus Gilbert (T/G) in the draft.
The Steelers do need more than one guy. Their offensive line last season could have been featured on an episode of MacGuyver. It was put together on the fly with whatever spare parts happened to be laying around.
Even if the team does not intend to start multiple rookies along the line, they need to infuse options into the unit. Few teams get through a season without an injury of some sort along their line. Getting some young, hungry talent is essential.
What Happens If They Don't Get Anyone?
If they get one linemen, they'll be much improved. If they get two, they'll be on the road to once again having a potentially dominant line.
If they don't get some new blood into that group, they're in trouble. Ben Roethlisberger, because of his style of play, takes a ton of hits and depends on his line to keep him clean for longer than the usual time each play. He rarely plays a full season as it is. If that line goes through another year of turmoil, he may not make it to the finish line.
Quarterback health is of prime importance to any team. A sturdy, deep offensive line is a huge part of that.
Bottom Line
Besides center, manned by Maurkice Pouncey, every other spot on the line could use competition and vast improvements. A couple of picks spent would go a long way toward shoring things up.
Best Case Scenario: Steelers Fill Every Need in Some Fashion
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How Can They Possibly Do It?
If they draft Aaron Williams or Mike Pouncey in the first round, another lineman or corner in the second round, and then focus on filling out the defensive line, running back, kicker and linebacker positions with their remaining picks, they'll have addressed virtually every major need.
They could also use a fullback, developmental backup quarterback, or a tall possession receiver if a player of that type is available later in the draft.
Why This Is Important
With no guarantees for free agency, no team can be sure how its roster will look when play finally resumes. The draft is their first chance to add players to the roster. It's important to get off on the right foot.
The Steelers may have just played in the Super Bowl, but if they hope to return, they'll draft smart (like they usually do) and fill major needs and add depth. They are only a few players away from winning another title, and a strong draft would go a long way to putting them right back in the title conversation.
Bottom Line
Good teams know how to build through the draft. Kevin Colbert has consistently drafted better than almost anyone else in the NFL. He's got a tough job this year, but he can hit a home run if he plays his cards right.
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