#31 Pittsburgh Steelers
What They Need: They were very good last year but fell just short in a great Super Bowl battle. Pittsburgh typically struggles with the Super Bowl hangover—the last two times they won the big game, they failed to make the playoffs in the following year—so we’ll see if next season is different, seeing as how they didn’t win. Quarterback is all set with Ben Roethlisberger, unless he does something really stupid this offseason, which is always a possibility. Rashard Mendenhall is a terrific young back that can do virtually anything on a football field. He could use a quality backup though. Hines Ward is really getting old and has clearly slowed down, though he is still a viable possession player. One guy who hasn’t slowed down is the human blur Mike Wallace, who proved last year he is one of the league’s best deep threats. Heath Miller is an outstanding tight end who won’t blow anybody away with physical skills, but is an asset in the pass and run games. The weak spot on this offense is the line. Last year Roethlisberger was running for his life—granted, that’s his style—entirely too often. Part of the problem was simply injuries as Pittsburgh lost both of their starting tackles for the season. Maurkice Pouncey proved to be a steal at center as a late first round pick and is already a Pro Bowl player. Outside of Pouncey I think any of the linemen could stand to be replaced. Defense is obviously where the Steelers are strong. The front line of Ziggy Hood, Casey Hampton, and Brett Keisel is exceptionally stout against the run and excellent at consuming blocks. Hampton, Keisel, and Aaron Smith are all north of 30 but still have plenty left in their respective tanks. Lamar Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, and James Harrison compose the best linebacking group in football. Farrior and Harrison are getting older, and Farrior especially is showing signs of decline. Safety is a very strong position on this team between mega star Troy Polamalu and the solid Ryan Clark. Corner is in need of an upgrade between starters Ike Taylor and Brian McFadden.
Who They Might Pick: They could nab a number of different positions here, particularly receiver, offensive lineman, or corner. The latter two are probably the most pressing needs. It would be neat if Maurkice’s brother Mike Pouncey fell to this spot and they could start on the same offensive line. Pouncey will likely be gone however, and Danny Watkins, the guard from Baylor, is a bigger possibility. Gabe Carimi is still on my board, though he will likely be picked higher. I doubt any of the top offensive tackles will be available here. Marcus Cannon (TCU) is a behemoth offensive tackle and is a possibility, though he might be able to be gotten later. Ben Ijalana is a guard from Villanova who was great in college, but that was at the FCS level. Maybe they could think about selecting an heir apparent to Farrior, and if that’s the case, the super athlete Martez Wilson (Illinois) could be a thought. Corner might be the Steelers’ only area of need that wouldn’t involve a significant reach here. Jimmy Smith (Colorado), Brandon Harris (Miami), Aaron Williams (Texas), Ras-I Dowling (Virginia), and Davon House (New Mexico State) could all be available at pick thirty-one.
My Advice: The Steelers have to improve their offensive line, so I’ll give them the mammoth Gabe Carimi from Wisconsin. He’s a force in the run game and will be an upgrade in pass protection, though that’s not his strong suit. Since Carimi might not be available this late, a good alternative for the Steelers would be the physical corner Dowling.
 |
| With the thirty-first pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers take Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin. |
#32 Green Bay Packers
What They Need: They need health and they should get just that. Ryan Grant, Jermichael Finley, Nick Barnett, Brad Jones, and Atari Bigby are all starters who missed most of last year to injuries. With those players back in the fold, needs are truly at a minimum. Aaron Rodgers is perhaps the best quarterback in the NFL (yes I said it, even though Tom Brady and Peyton Manning aren’t supposed to move from their concrete spots as the two best passers in the league). James Starks showed nice flashes last year as a rookie runner, and Grant should be ready to go at the start of the season. Those two provide a more than ample rushing threat for the pass-happy Pack. The receiving corps is the deepest in the league with Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Finley. The offensive line is the only real weakness on the offense, and really, calling it weak is inaccurate. They were pretty darn good in the playoffs last year and got better throughout the season. Brian Bulaga is going to be a very good tackle for a long time in the NFL, and Josh Sitton is a stud at guard. Scott Wells is the definition of solid at center. Give me a guy at that position whose name I don’t hear all game, and I’m happy. Daryn Colledge could probably stand to be replaced, and while Mark Tauscher was excellent last year, he’s 33 with a history of injuries. Amazingly, the Packers' defense might have fewer needs than the offense. The front line of BJ Raji, Cullen Jenkins, and Ryan Pickett is a play-making, immoveable unit. Second year man Mike Neal should develop further and could provide nice depth along the defensive front. Another solid guy to fit in the defensive line rotation would be nice though. The linebacking corps has an embarrassment of riches with Clay Matthews, Barnett, AJ Hawk, Desmond Bishop, Brad Jones, Erick Walden, Brady Poppinga, and Brandon Chillar fighting over four spots. Finding a pure pass rusher to put opposite of the Matthews would be a nice idea. The secondary is tremendous. Charles Woodson doesn’t even have to play corner anymore with the emergence of young stars Tramon Williams and Sam Shields. Woodson will play safety, corner, and linebacker at times, and that versatility will help really prolong his career. Nick Collins is one of the best four or five safeties in football and Charlie Peprah doesn’t make mistakes. Morgan Burnett should come along as well.
Who They Might Pick: Though you can’t call any area a glaring need, offensive or defensive line is where the Packers could improve most. Cameron Heyward (Ohio State) might just be lingering on the board and would be a great pick to add depth and talent to the defensive line. Marvin Austin, Corey Liuget, or Stephen Paea are all defensive linemen who could play in the 3-4. Mike Pouncey, Watkins, or Ijalana could all fit at guard even if they don’t start immediately. I also think the Packers could simply use this selection on the best player available. Kyle Rudolph would be a fun toy at tight end for Rodgers to play with. He’s not a need, but putting Rudolph on the field with Finley would make this offense even more frightening. Akeem Ayers could possibly be on the board as an edge rusher, and if not, Brooks Reed (Arizona) might fit that mold as well. I also think running back could be an idea. Starks is not proven yet, and Grant is coming off a major knee injury. Mikel LeShoure (Illinois) and Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech) are considered fringe, first round talents at the halfback position. I also think Green Bay could trade this pick to move up and nab a real impact player or move down and accrue more selections.
My Advice: There’s plenty of time to address the offensive and defensive lines later in the draft. With this pick the Packers need to get the best talent available and avoid reaching. Green Bay should take Mikel LeShoure from Illinois. No, running back is not a huge need, but LeShoure is a big time talent, and at 227 pounds would add a smash-mouth element this team has been missing. LeShoure can get the tough yards and could be a real weapon on the goal line.
--from Adam
(images from zimbio.com)
 |
| For the thirty-second selection, the Green Bay Packers pick Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois. |
--from Adam
(images from zimbio.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment