NFL Draft 2011: Pittsburgh Steelers' Needs Beyond Corner and O-Line
Everybody knows about the Pittsburgh Steelers' need for an offensive lineman or three and a corner or two. What is masked by the frenzy over which position the team will choose to address first is that the team has some other positions that could use a little attention in the coming draft.
The defensive line is still old, the team has no kicker or punter ready for next season and they could use a few new backups at certain positions.
Here's a look at five positions that need some TLC before the Steelers take the field for 2011.
1. Defensive Line
1 of 5
Why?
As a whole, the Steelers have an aging defensive front. Nowhere was the age more apparent than along the defensive line, where all three of Pittsburgh's regular starters missed time last season due to injury.
The Steelers have an heir apparent to Aaron Smith already in Ziggy Hood. In his second year, Hood proved to be capable and even made some big plays for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers don't ask their linemen to make a lot of big plays, but the team needs good, big linemen who are strong enough to take on multiple blockers and open holes for the team's stellar linebackers.
Casey Hampton, the team's nose tackle for the better part of a decade, is getting to the point where he'll no longer be able to play every down. He's already platooned in some situations. It's time the team found a successor for him.
Also, with most of the team's backups free agents, its time to infuse some new blood into the depth chart.
Who?
They probably won't go there in the first two rounds, but perhaps Kenrick Ellis, Ian Williams or Sione Fua would fit the bill in the middle rounds of the draft.
2. Running Back
2 of 5
Why?
Rashard Mendenhall isn't going anywhere. He's likely going to be the starting running back in Pittsburgh for a very long time. He's a good, slashing runner who not only can make people miss but can gain the tough yards in the middle.
What Pittsburgh lacks with Mendenhall and Isaac Redman is a true speed option. Pairing someone with blazing speed could put the Steelers over top offensively.
Jonathan Dwyer doesn't really fit that bill and Mewelde Moore, while a good receiver, is not exactly fast.
Who?
Derrick Locke or Noel Devine could be available in the middle or late rounds and both are among the fastest players in this year's draft class. There doesn't appear to be a likely run on running backs, so the Steelers will probably have some options.
3. Kicker and Punter
3 of 5
Why?
The Steelers have pretty rotten luck with kickers and punters. They don't have either position filled for next season, so they may look to fill one or both in the draft.
Shaun Suisham filled in admirably after Jeff Reed was sent packing mid-year and Jeremy Kapinos didn't do a bad job either when Daniel Sepulveda tore his ACL again. Neither really wowed, however, and both will likely try to cash in somewhere else during free agency.
With all of that said, the Steelers are in the market. Even if Daniel Sepulveda is healthy, there's no guarantee the Steelers will want to or be able to resign him.
Who?
Alex Henery would be the perfect choice in the sixth or seventh round. He can do both jobs. If not him, Josh Jasper would be a good fit at kicker and the team would have to work on finding a punter some other way.
.png?w=256)
4. Safety
4 of 5
Why?
With Troy Polamalu's injury history, there's always the possibility of the team having to play without one of its best starters.
Polamalu has missed significant time in each of the last two years with injuries. While he's been out, the Steelers have not been able to adequately replace him. They need someone who can step in and play if the fearsome Polamalu is injured again.
Outside of that, it wouldn't hurt for the Steelers to start looking toward the end of Ryan Clark's career. Having a good replacement ready would be an excellent idea. Like Polamalu, Clark takes a punishing with the way he plays. There's no telling how long he can keep it up.
Who?
Marcus Gilchrist can play corner or safety and should be available in Round 3 or 4. Failing that, Robert Sands or Chris Conte could also be options later in the draft.
5. Quarterback
5 of 5
Why?
Ben Roethlisberger is still in the early part of his prime, but the Steelers have nothing behind him.
Byron Leftwich has never seized his potential. He's an adequate backup, but would be a liability anytime the Steelers would need him over a long period.
Charlie Batch has been as steady as they come, but he's no longer a viable long-term solution for the Steelers. He's a better coach than player at this point. Hopefully, when he hangs up his cleats, he'll have a position with the team. It would be a shame to lose him.
Dennis Dixon is a free agent and wasn't exactly impressive in his opportunities with the Steelers. He could come back, but the team may do better to get a quarterback from amongst the rookie class.
Who?
Scott Tolzien probably fits best. He'll be around late too. If not him, the team is probably best off waiting until after the draft to see which rookies make it all the way to free agency.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Rams Eagles Football")
