Pittsburgh Steelers Post Draft Commentary

The Pittsburgh Steelers won their second championship in 4 years as they beat the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. The team did have its share of issues during the season; including the offensive line’s ability to protect Ben Roethlisberger on a consistent basis. The team also faced depth issues at the running back spot as Rashard Mendehall suffered a season ending injury and Willie Parker can have issues staying healthy for a whole season as well.

The Steelers were not the run dominant offense they have been in years past for a variety of reasons; the offensive line and injuries to the running backs are the most obvious. The team’s biggest problem areas along the offensive line were at either tackle spot and center. Neither Max Starks or Trai Essex are considered long term solutions at tackle, although Willie Colon seems to be a bit more assured a roster spot after this season. The team just did not get the production from the position that it would like. Surprisingly, the team did not draft an offensive tackle however, instead selecting Kraig Urbik from Wisconsin. The former Badger guard should fit into this blocking scheme quite easily as he is a physical player at the point of attack who will operate best in close quarters. I doubt the Steelers try and use Urbik outside at tackle, as his feet just do not warrant the switch. The team also picked up A. Q. Shipley; a short armed, barrel chested player who will succeed on effort and leverage more so than athletic talent. Shipley was formerly a defensive tackle, so he may still be a little rough around the edges in some aspects of his game. But, Shipley could do enough to make the squad as he will not quit and shows a great desire to make plays whenever he can.

Other areas of concern is the defensive line and secondary as the team has no one under 30 aside from Nick Eason in the defensive line rotation. The team was in dire straits in terms of bringing in young players for the unit; especially the defensive end spot. The Steelers chose Evander Hood at the end of the second round and Ra’Shon Harris in the 6th as possible candidates to make the roster. Hood is an up the field player, who is best when he can move forward. He can play with leverage, but he does allow himself to play rather upright at times; decreasing his ability to hold his ground at the point of attack. Ra’Shon Harris will need to show a great deal more than he did in college if he wishes to make the roster. Harris did not show a great deal of explosion or quickness whilst at Oregon. Harris’ inability to use his hands on a continuous basis will prevent from disengaging from blockers quickly; preventing him from making plays.

The Steelers also needed to add some new blood to the secondary as they lost Bryant McFadden in Free Agency, Deshea Townsend is 33 and Ike Taylor is approaching 30 as well. Thus the front office selected both Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett in the middle rounds of the draft as a way to ensure that one player will hopefully pan out and provide the team the depth it needs. If neither of these players can provide a solid level of play beyond the 2009 season, the Steelers will be facing the prospect of essentially having to retool their secondary over night. Chances are Lewis makes an impact and grows into the position as the Steelers are one of the few teams that does not force rookies onto the field full time. A majority of the time the team breaks its young players in slowly, improving their chances of success.

The Steelers addressed most of their needs in the 2009 NFL Draft, but conspicuously left offensive tackle off their list of prescribed needs. The team has enough depth for the upcoming season, but will have to address the position in 2010 one way or another. The Steelers did win the Super Bowl with the unit they currently have, but most people agree the unit was not as dominant as it had been in years past. If the line can hold up, and the new defensive rookies can hold their own the team looks primed for another run in the playoffs this season.

Pre Draft Needs: OL, DL, CB