NFL Draft 2011: 5 Undrafted Free Agents the Pittsburgh Steelers Must Target

The Pittsburgh Steelers had what can only be described as a successful 2011 NFL draft, nabbing talent with every pick and filling out some notable holes in the depth chart with young prospects.

Once all of the business with the CBA and the lockout is resolved and league business can resume, the next step of the process will begin.

That would be free agency. A huge part of that is made up of undrafted rookies who are signed to fill out rosters and compete with more well-regarded prospects and established veterans.

Here are five undrafted players that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be wise to pursue.

1. Kendric Burney, CB, North Carolina

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Kendric Burney #16 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates his touchdown in the first quarter against the Boston College Eagles on November 21, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Ge

Why?

I'm mildly surprised that Burney wasn't drafted at some point.

He's a talented corner with good measurables and intangibles that should make him an eventual asset in the NFL.

At worst, he'll be a good backup and special teams contributor. He could eventually even develop into a starter.

Needs Assessment

He also fits a team need. The Steelers nabbed two corners in the draft (Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen), but could also use some extra players.

There are no guarantees on the current roster. Insurance at a key position can't be overlooked.

2. Derek Hall, OT, Stanford

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Derek Hall #53 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Ge

Why?

He's another "why not" pick. The Steelers have had well-documented issues along the offensive line.

Their tackle spots got stronger with the selection of Marcus Gilbert and the hopeful return to health of Willie Colon (who needs to be re-signed) and Max Starks.

Still, depth is a constant problem with offensive lines in the NFL. The Steelers would be wise to add someone like Hall, who has experience in a pro-style system and could develop into a fine NFL player.

Needs Assessment

Gilbert should eventually slot in at one of the tackle spots, but the team could use someone to groom at the other.

Max Starks has never been consistent on the left or right side and could be overtaken by a player with better natural skills.

3. Scott Tolzien, QB, Wisconsin

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to pass the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Why?

Tolzien is another player that I thought might get a look late in the draft. That he didn't is a mark of just how deep this quarterback class seems to have been.

He's a good player with a decent arm and accuracy. He pairs that with above-average mobility (think of him as a poor man's Ben Roethlisberger).

He doesn't project as a starter, but he could develop into a fine backup for an NFL team.

Needs Assessment

Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch form the underwhelming depth chart behind Ben Roethlisberger. Batch is more of a player-coach at this point.

Leftwich has never excelled in long stints. With the reckless way Ben Roethlisberger plays the game, having someone available who can run the offense in a similar fashion is very important.

4. Ian Williams, DT, Notre Dame

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Ian Williams #95 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish encourages the crowd during a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 4, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Purdue 23-12. (Photo

Why?

Williams was another surprising draft snub, but part of it is due to the fact that his talents and size do not match his position.

Williams will likely be a defensive end in the NFL unless he can bulk up to be a 4-3 tackle.

He does have good natural skills and could develop into an above-average starter. He compares with Brett Keisel, a largely overlooked college talent who became an effective NFL starter.

Needs Assessment

Drafting Cameron Heyward did a lot to shore up issues along the defensive line.

The Steelers still could use some other capable backups. Particularly if they think Williams can be an effective nose tackle, but even if they think he could develop into a good end, they need the help.

All of their primary backups (not counting Ziggy Hood, who figures to get starting time this year) are free agents.

5. Josh Jasper, PK, Louisiana State

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Josh Jasper #30 of the Louisiana State University Tigers against the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Why?

Jasper was the second-best kicker available in the 2011 draft.

Because teams rarely place a premium on the position and probably in addition to the fact that teams were concerned with the uncertainty surrounding free agents at premium positions, he went undrafted.

The Steelers are still without a kicker. They could use a strong-legged, accurate player like Jasper.

Needs Assessment

Jasper is accurate and strong. The Steelers need that in a kicker thanks to the difficult conditions at Heinz Field.

Shaun Suisham did an admirable job replacing Jeff Reed, but he doesn't figure to have the makeup for long-term work. A guy like Jasper could stay in Pittsburgh for a decade or longer.