10 Draft Prospects the Pittsburgh Steelers Absolutely Must Target
With the draft only days away, most teams have their lists of target prospects ready and waiting. Prospects are waiting for the phones to ring, crossing their fingers that their favorite team will come calling. The time for talk is almost done. The time for action is just about here.
As I wrap up my pre-draft coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, it's time to take one last look at the prospects the Steelers must target on draft day. By target, I mean everything from possibly trading up to even laying in the weeds and trying to steal a big future talent in the later rounds.
Here's a look at 10 players that the Steelers need to target in this year's draft. Remember, these draft picks represent the first chance any team has had to improve its roster since the season ended. That makes each selection that much more important.
1. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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The book on Williams and why he'd fit so well in Pittsburgh is well-documented. He's a playmaker, a complete player who could develop into one of the best shutdown players in the NFL. He fits what is arguably Pittsburgh's biggest need: a corner who can team up with Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark to shut down opposing offenses and close the loopholes in Pittsburgh's scheme (exposed by the Green Bay Packers (among others) last year).
When and How To Get Him
He's got a late first/early second-round grade on him. My personal vote is to nab him with the 31st pick, but the team may feel he'll be around for a little while and trade down into the early part of the second round while still getting their guy later in the draft.
2. Mike Pouncey, OG/C, Florida
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He's another guy we already know all about. He's among the top offensive linemen available in this draft and would help solidify Pittsburgh's other major need: a lineman to go along with Maurkice Pouncey (his brother, in case you've been under a rock for about a year) to help Pittsburgh run better and keep Ben Roethlisberger's jersey cleaner.
When and How To Get Him
Unfortunately for Pittsburgh and all the fans who would love to have two players named Pouncey on the line, the only way Pittsburgh is getting him is to move up into the early 20s (if not higher). With only seven picks this year, there's almost no way Pittsburgh will do that. The Steelers have never mortgaged their entire draft class for one player.Don't expect it to happen now. If he somehow slips to them, they'd be hard-pressed to find a better talent.
3. Marcus Cannon, OG, TCU
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We know why Pittsburgh needs to target him. Like Pouncey, but not to the same degree, he is an excellent prospect who fills a major need and can possibly start immediately. If nothing else, he'll push Ramon Foster and maybe Chris Kemoeatu for playing time. He is exactly the type of lineman Pittsburgh covets, so he could be a target if they, as expected, miss out on Pouncey.
When and How to Get Him
He's got a mid second-round grade, so it'll be dicey. He could and probably should be available at the end of the second round, which would make him a no-brainer for Pittsburgh to take. He's been mocked as high as late-first, but I don't see him as a clear-cut first rounder, so it makes sense to roll the dice and wait.
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4. James Carpenter, OT, Alabama
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Carpenter has been climbing draft boards recently and there's no denying he has the size, skill and technique to be a good NFL lineman. He fits the Steelers' blocking scheme better than most of the other tackle prospects who figure to be on the board when they're picking (without reaching for anyone). He's not the can't-miss guy people think Cannon and Pouncey are, but he's looking like a good pro who could play either tackle position (he'll probably start on the right side in Pittsburgh).
When and How to Get Him
He's been climbing and is now projected to go in the second or third round. He'd be a good backup plan if the team misses out on Cannon in Round 2 and could also be in play for Round 3. Pittsburgh will need a couple of linemen to fix their issues, so don't discount the chance they get both of these guys.
5. Kenrick Ellis, DT, Hampton
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He's got the potential to be the next Casey Hampton, but he is small for the position. He's added weight and showed up for his pre-draft visits looking much more like an NFL defensive tackle. He has the ability to take on multiple blockers and occasionally get to the quarterback. He's effective and quick, not to mention a pretty heady football player.
When and How to Get Him
Ellis is a tough case. He's a second or third-round player and isn't clearly planted in either spot. If someone covets him, he'll go early. If he's still flying under the radar, he could fall to the Steelers at the end of Round 3. I think Round 2 is a little high, but you never really know. Pittsburgh likes to take the best talent, and Ellis may fit that bill with the 63rd pick.
6. Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
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Burton is another of those under-the-radar players who, for whatever reason, hasn't lit up too many draft boards. He's slowly worked his way into the conversation and plays like a player who could become a star at the next level. He's had a good lead-up to the draft as well, which further increases his chances of going in one of the earlier rounds. The Steelers could use a couple of good new corners too, so don't be shocked to see them spend multiple picks on this position.
When and How to Get Him
Another tough case here. Burton could go as high as late second round. He could be a target there if Pittsburgh misses out on Aaron Williams or elects to take an offensive lineman instead. He could be around later, too. I'd say that most mocks have him as a late third/early fourth-round player. Look for him to be in the conversation in Round 3.
7. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
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Do they need a running back to win? No. Rashard Mendenhall is an excellent feature back who should be even better with a revamped offensive line in front of him. Isaac Redman is also capable. What neither of these guys have, however, is blazing speed. Pittsburgh hasn't had that since Willie Parker. It may not be evident, but if you look closely, it's missed. A guy like Devine gives the Steelers a home-run threat. He has the speed and elusiveness to score any time he has the ball.
When and How to Get Him
He's a solid fourth-round prospect. The Steelers have bigger needs, however, so this may be one of those lay in the weeds and see if he falls situations. There doesn't seem to be a lot of focus on the running back position this year, so he may end up in the fifth round. At that point, I'd pounce.
8. Sione Fua, DT, Stanford
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He's another guy who could develop into a great defensive lineman in the NFL. Unlike Ellis, he is already the right size. He isn't the athlete that Ellis is, but that's never been a key ingredient for Pittsburgh's nose tackle spot (athlete and Casey Hampton aren't exactly interchangeable terms). He can take up multiple blockers and puts up the occasional pressure and sack, which makes him every bit as capable as Hampton has been.
When and How to Get Him
Fourth round seems about right, especially if they don't get Ellis. He could slip to the fifth, but I wouldn't bet on it the way defensive lineman are predicted to come off the board. If he's there at the end of Round 4, he's probably among the best players on the board. Pittsburgh should pounce. He doesn't need to start immediately, so there's no real concern. It's all upside.
9. Lee Ziemba, OT/G, Auburn
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Big, versatile and smart. Those are the ingredients Pittsburgh looks for in their offensive linemen. Ziemba also holds blocks well, which is another important part for a Pittsburgh lineman thanks to the way Roethlisberger plays the game. I like that he can play either guard or tackle. He's probably a better tackle right now, but will be on the right side unless he really surprises. He could sit and learn behind Flozell Adams and/or Willie Colon and then move into the lineup in 2012.
When and How to Get Him
Round 4, maybe Round 5. It's hard to mock offensive linemen out this far. They aren't always coveted, but so many teams are looking for them now that he may end up off the board sooner; especially if teams draft more on need because they haven't had a shot at free agents yet. If he's there in the fourth or fifth round, he's a great value pick.
10. Alex Henery, K/P, Nebraska
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You had to know it was coming. You absolutely cannot discount the need for a good kicker. Pittsburgh, like everyone else, won't score every time they get the ball. For those times that they get close, they need someone who can seal the deal for at least three points. Henery fits that need with a strong, accurate leg. He also can punt, which happens to be another area where Pittsburgh is looking to upgrade. Kickers aren't premium draft picks usually (unless you're Al Davis), but I wouldn't discount the fact this is a great need for the Steelers, who've had their share of kicking woes.
When and How to Get Him
In any other year where the team has two or three selections in the sixth, I'd say pounce there. With one in each round, it becomes a question of whether the Steelers can land him later and fill a better need sooner. There are other options if they miss out, but he's the only dual threat. If he's there in the sixth and they see no better option, that'd be the time to go for it. If they wait and he sticks around until they pick at the end, get him there for sure.
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