NFL Draft 2011: Do the Pittsburgh Steelers Play It Safe or Take the Risky Route?

When the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock Friday night, I would expect one of three positions to be called: cornerback, offensive line or defensive line.

A selection at any other position would be a pretty big surprise.

The Steelers have a distinct need in each of these areas and will have a number of players available at each spot.

As the Steelers make their decision, they will have to consider who the safe pick is and who the risky pick is.

Typically, safe draft selections are expected to be starters but have a very limited upside, not that it is a bad thing. Many of these players are very good, even Pro Bowl players.

Heath Miller falls into this category as does Maurkice Pouncey. Both were expected to be good NFL players and each player was projected as someone who could contribute early on.

The more intriguing prospects, though, are the risks or the “boom or bust” players.

These prospects have a very high upside but also a very high bust potential.

Often times when teams take a risk on one of these players they are not expected right away and will instead take several years to develop.

Most recently the Steelers took a chance on Lawrence Timmons. He took several years to develop, actually until just this past season. It was the first time he looked the part of a top draft pick. Until then the “B” word was being tossed around as many felt he was heading toward “bust” status.

Here is a look at potential safe and risky players who may be available for the Steelers with the 31st pick in Friday evening’s first round.

Cornerback: Safe Pick

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AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 25: Cornerback Aaron Williams #4 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

With the top cornerbacks off the board, Aaron Williams will be the safest pick left for the Steelers.

The former Texas Longhorn has the advantage of playing at a school that has sent quality defensive backs into the NFL recently. He also played with two other cornerbacks who are likely to get drafted this year.

At nearly 6’0”, Williams has good size for the NFL but his upside will be limited by his 4.52-40 speed.

His experience is tough to match, starting two years at Texas all while playing against top offensive competition.

Williams’ pedigree is also excellent with is father playing football in college and his uncle playing for the Chicago Bears.

Another positive for Williams is his versatility as he is rated as one of the top safety prospects.

Given his experience and versatility, Williams would be a safe first round pick, but keep in mind, he may never develop into a starting caliber cornerback, let alone to one of Ike Taylor’s ability.

Does drafting a cornerback who may have to switch to safety warrant a first round selection? We shall see.

Cornerback: Risky Pick

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01: Danny Amendola #20 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders is tackled by Ras-I Dowling #19 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the Gator Bowl at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam

Ras-I Dowling is a 6’1” cornerback from Virginia who has run a 4.46-40.

Dowling has plenty of experience as a three year starter for the Cavaliers and was named team captain.

What isn’t there to like about Dowling? Injuries.

Over his career, Dowling has had a number of leg and hand injuries, including suffering a broken ankle as a senior in addition to knee and hamstring problems.

As a result, he had no interceptions as a senior after having eight combined in his first three seasons.

Any time a player has a history of injuries it is a concern, particularly with the physical demands of the NFL game. Everyone is bigger, faster and hits much harder than college.

But Dowling also has all of the physical and mental attributes that you want from a top cover corner. In fact, if not for the injury concerns, Dowling would be a clear cut first round prospect.

Dowling has a big upside, but if injuries get the best of him he may never realize his full potential.

Offensive Line: Safe Pick

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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

Assuming that Mike Pouncey is not available, the safest offensive line prospect that may fall to Pittsburgh is Derek Sherrod, offensive tackle from Mississippi State.

Sherrod has the ideal size that is expected from a tackle, 6’5” 321 pounds, experience, three years of experience at left tackle and was named team captain.

The Steelers have a history with Sherrod as well. His brother, Dezmond, spent time on Pittsburgh’s roster.

Pittsburgh could use the younger Sherrod to eventually take over as left tackle, but he could start at right tackle.

A first team All-SEC tackle last year, Sherrod has experience against some of the best players in the nation and has developed as a solid run and pass blocker.

Sherrod is also a good character player and intelligent as he graduated Cum Laude.

Though he may never be one of the dominant tackles in the league, Sherrod should be a quality starter for a long time.

Offensive Line: Risky Pick

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BOULDER, CO - OCTOBER 04: Brian Orakpo #98 of the Texas Longhorns rushes against Nate Solder #78 the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 4, 2008 in Boulder, Colorado. Texas defeated Colorado 38-14. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Standing at 6’8”, Nate Solder of Colorado is a huge tackle who also has huge upside.

A back-to-back first team All-Big 12 tackle and consensus first team All-American this past season, Solder has only begun to show what he is capable of.

In three years starting for the Buffalos, Solder only gave up five sacks while missing only two plays during that time.

However, Solder’s size could also be a disadvantage.

He is only 319 pounds and would have to bulk up and increase his strength to match up against the powerful defenders found in the NFL.

Solder will also need to work on his leverage, especially off the snap.

There is no doubt that he will need the most time to develop out of the top tackles in this draft.

That could work for the Steelers who could use Flozell Adams to help teach him for one season.

To get a great player, sometimes you have to take a risk and that is exactly what Pittsburgh would need to do if they drafted Solder.

Defensive Line: Safe Pick

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes chases down ballcarrier Keith Carlos #1 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Cameron Heyward, defensive end from Ohio State, is a “you get what you see” type of player.

He has NFL bloodlines as his father Craig “Ironhead” Heyward played running back in the NFL and he has four years of starting experience at Ohio State where he was also named team captain.

Heyward has the size of a prototypical 3-4 defensive end at 6’4” 294 pounds.

Some of Heyward’s top qualities include his physical style of play, particularly when defending the run.

His football IQ is also second to none and he has a great work ethic.

Even with the top intangibles, Heyward has a limited set of moves and is not overly athletic. He also did not develop much during his senior season and did not play at a high level on a weekly basis.

Heyward should still be able to step in and be an effective starter for a long time. He is a very good run stopper and that is exactly what Pittsburgh wants from their defensive lineman.

He could be a safe pick at the end of the first round.

Defensive Line: Risky Pick

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 09: Defensive tackle Stephen Paea #54 of the Oregon State Beavers during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Wildcats 29-27. (Pho

Stephen Paea, defensive tackle from Oregon State, may not be the best fit for Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense, but he has the look of a very good football player and Dick LeBeau would certainly be able to find a spot for him.

Paea is one of the strongest players in the draft and could be dominant in defending the run as well as getting to the passer.

The problem is standing less than 6’2” and weighing in at just over 300 pounds, Paea is a bit short to play defensive end and too light to play nose tackle.

Like any other defensive lineman who joins the Steelers, defensive line coach John Mitchell would need to strip his techniques away and build them back up.

But the first team All-Pac-10 and All-American could be worth the risk.

Though inconsistent, Paea can be a dominant force on the field if he can put it all together and shed the “workout warrior” label.

Final Thoughts

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NEW YORK - APRIL 22: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell introduces 16-year old Zachary Hatfield (L) from Florence, KY, Hatfield then made the announcement that Maurkice Pouncey from the Florida Gators was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers number 18 overall

Though I generally want to take the guy who is going to start and be good, I always keep in mind you can’t win if you can’t try.

Sometimes taking the safe play is the better option. However, if you have time to develop a player, then taking a risk could be worth it. The important thing is sticking true to the draft board.

Which players do you view as the safest and riskiest options? Which type of player would you rather select, particularly given the Steelers status as a Super Bowl contender?

Please share your thoughts below.

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