2005 Draft Review - 5/02/05

Once again the NFL draft has come and gone and everybody out there is handing out their grades and delivering their analysis. No, I’m not going to do the trendy thing this year and tell you that “I’m above all that” or “you can never grade a draft this early”. I mean, what fun is that? Besides, my mood in the off-season and in pre season is usually determined by how well I thought they did in the draft. You can read any of my pre season jottings and figure that out. Well, how do I think they did this year? Is that what you’re wondering (or maybe not)? O.K., I’ll just tell you that I’ve been in a real good mood the past couple of days and will be thinking happy thoughts right up until camp. The Steelers not only addressed their needs but also did so with surprising quality. Considering they did this by drafting at the end of each round and by not having to waste any picks this year by trading up, well heck, that’s just plain great. I could waste more time trying to describe my joy but let’s just get to the review.

Steelers Needs: Going into the draft the Steelers, having been a 15-1 team, really had no real pressing needs. Upgradeable positions do exist with their being a lack of quality at TE and an unsure replacement at RT. Add to that, the Steelers will need to add depth to the offensive line, secondary and linebacker. Outside of that, let the “best player available” be the pick.

Pick #1 (#30 overall) Heath Miller TE Virginia
The biggest need for the Steelers going into the draft was to try and find a TE who could push Jerame Tuman and crew for playing time. They did much better than that; they stumbled upon the draft’s highest rated player at the position. Just like last year with Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers were able to grab a guy they had no right being able to draft. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

Pros: Miller’s a good-sized TE who also has the ability to get deep into the opposing secondary. While he’s not going to be confused with Tony Gonzalez, he has more than enough speed to run with the LBs and the size to break tackles. He has long arms and fine hands, and will become a viable target on third down plays and help clean out underneath coverage on any play. He’s also going to give Ben a big target downfield to replace the departed Plaxico Burress. The big difference is he’ll actually come down with most of the balls thrown his way. His blocking is also a positive and while he may not be Mark Bruener-esque, he should provide more help than Jerame Tuman has. With his size, hands and blocking ability, he’s going to become a favorite target in the red zone.

Cons: The reason he dropped to #30 in the draft was his overall lack of visibility in the post season due to a sports hernia surgery. If there is any injury that the Steelers should be experts in by now is the groin injury. With Kendrell Bell gone, Miller’s groin is now at the center of their attention. Aside from his injury, it’s really tough to find a serious negative in Miller’s game. He’s not a burner speed-wise but he’s not slow either. His blocking is not stellar but I wouldn’t call it a weakness either.

Overall: No question that Miller was at the top of the Steelers’ wish list this year. Once again they get a player that they had no business expecting at 30 and finally have a groin injury work in their favor. It’s not often a 15-1 team can find a starter this deep in the draft but it looks like the Steelers have.

Hope he is: A nice combo of Eric Green’s offense (without the attitude) and Mark Bruener’s blocking.

Hope he’s not: A combo of Green’s blocking and Bruener’s offense.

Who’s roster spot? My guess is that the trio of Walter Rasby, Marco Battaglia and Matt Cushing will be handing in their playbooks.

Tim’s pick: You kidding me? I would take Miller and not look back. If I were forced to take another pick I would probably look at WR Reggie Brown or FS Brodney Pool.

Pick #2 (#62 overall) Bryant McFadden CB Florida St
With Chad Scott’s release, Willie Williams being 34 and Deshea Townsend being 30, it was time that the Steelers added some more youth to Ricardo Colclough and Ike Taylor. In the second round the Steelers were fortunate to not only find a quality corner but to find one that they had a first round grade on and a guy that fits perfectly into the Steelers defensive system.

Pros: McFadden is a Bill Cowher type of corner. He’s not afraid to hit and is strong against the run. He’s also the kind of guy who’s not going to make many mistakes as his not allowing any TDs the last two seasons can attest to. He runs in the higher 4.4s but plays faster than he times as well. In all, they were able to land a player who has both the abilities and the right style of play to fit the current Steelers defense. Enough so that he may be able to compete for a starting job as soon as training camp. He also has the makeup to project to free safety, a nice thing to have for next season when Chris Hope enters his free agent year.

Cons: McFadden is not your typical turn and cover type of DB. He doesn’t have the ability to run with the faster receivers out there and will lose some speed in changing directions. He’s built more for a zone than a press man-to-man. He also is not equipped with the best set of hands, something the Steelers are only too used to in their secondary.

Overall: The Steelers got a gift with this pick. If you look at some of the corners drafted in front of McFadden (Stanford Routt, Ronald Bartell, Nick Collins, Darrent Williams and Kelvin Hayden), you really have to wonder what some teams were thinking. I saw some better corners drafted in the third round. Regardless, the Steelers were able to pick up a guy who has the ability to step right in and compete for time as a starter or a nickel back at this point. As his career progresses, I would be surprised if he wasn’t starting for years. The Steelers corner combo (Colclough and McFadden) looks pretty solid for the future.

Hope he is: The player that Chad Scott was before his knee injury.

Hope he is not: The current form of Chad Scott.

Who’s roster spot? Speaking of Chad Scott…

Tim’s pick: No surprise here, I would have taken McFadden as well. While he may not be the stud type of corner you usually can only find in the top half of the first round, he may just be the kind of steady, no mistake making kind of corner that every team loves to have. If forced to go in a different direction I would have probably gone after WR Courtney Roby from Indiana.

Pick #3 (#93 overall) Trai Essex OT Northwestern
This was the pick that brought the most reaction from me, as I was not really pleased with it. Usually though, it’s the pick that upsets me but not this time. Actually, it was the timing of the pick more than the player. I actually like Essex as a player, having seen him play many times (I’m a Big Ten man) and had a feeling that the Steelers would be looking in his direction (see in my previous article: The Unknowns - 4/20/05). It just surprised me how soon it was when they went after him. By my charts I had him listed as a sixth to seventh round by value. That would mean that the Steelers would have had to use their fifth in all likelihood to grab him. If they had done that, I would have been just fine with it. As it turns out, the Steelers also had a first round grade on Essex and could have easily gone much higher with this pick had other players not been available. That said, I guess a third rounder isn’t too bad then.

Pros: The first thing I noticed while watching Essex is how much better he moved compared to everybody else. He has great feet but considering he started his career as a TE, that shouldn’t be too surprising. Some scouts were even quoted as saying that he had the best feet in the draft. I’m not sure, I haven’t seen ‘em all but it wouldn’t surprise me. Essex is also going to be able to play multiple positions, a very important need for the Steelers after losing two offensive lineman through free agency and forcing last year’s swingman, Max Starks, into the starting RT position. He has the size to play tackle, the ability to get out and pull like a guard and could also give the Steelers a nice option in short yardage as a third TE. Considering he’s played the position before, he might be an interesting option down by the goal line as well. His flexibility is what gives him value in the third.

Cons: The most repeated negative about Essex is that he’s considered to be lazy. You usually like to stay away from lineman with that tag because they often eat their way out of the league. I’m not too concerned about it though, I don’t think Russ Grimm and the rest of the Steelers O-line would let any player come in and be lazy. Remember, Max Starks came in with the “soft” label too and he’s progressed nicely. Other than the lazy tag he will need to get stronger, especially in the arms as he can get good extension but a stronger lineman will overpower him inside.

Overall: The Steelers filled a major need for depth on the offensive line with the pick of Essex. He can sub in almost anywhere on the offensive line (Chukky Okobi will remain the reserve center) including the all too difficult left tackle position. He has the talent to develop into a starter down the road but what the Steelers needed was a super-sub and that’s what Essex should be able to give them. His ability to add size as a potential short yardage TE would be another possible use for him.

Hope he is: A more athletic version of the late, great Justin Strzelczyk.

Hope he is not: The last highly drafted “lazy” Steelers lineman, Jamain Stephens

Who’s roster spot? Oliver Ross has already left the ‘burgh.

Tim’s pick: I need to be honest here; if it were draft day, I would be grabbing Darryl Blackstock, the OLB from Virginia, with this pick. I liked his experience as a 3-4 backer and his overall athleticism. My only problem with him is that he shouldn’t have fallen this far and I know why he did, his lack of production at Virginia. Athletes that can’t play football aren’t much good at the NFL level as the Steelers have found out recently with Alonzo Jackson and Nate Adibi. Now, if allowed to make the pick today, a week later, I would stick with Essex, no matter how many “experts” have said it was a reach. He just makes more sense for the Steelers at this point.

Pick #4 (#131 overall) Fred Gibson WR Georgia
The Steelers got another gift here with Fred Gibson still being available at this point. I had him rated as a first day type of guy and earlier in the year, many had him in the first round. Wherever you would take him, he makes a lot of sense for the Steelers who didn’t have much size at WR before taking Gibson. At 6-4, he’ll be a nice replacement for Clank Burress and may actually be able to go up for a pass or two, a skill that Clank never could figure out.

Pros: He’s big, he’s fast and he’s been an important part of a successful offense for the last few years. Not a bad start. He has the ability to go up and get the ball at its highest point, a skill he probably picked up from his old basketball days as a freshman. He can go and get the ball away from his frame as well as over his shoulder. He’s also capable at playing the sideline, reaching out for balls out of bounds while keeping his feet in. Has room for upside growth and could be a starting caliber player in the league.

Cons: Will body catch and double catch the ball on occasion. Not a great receiver over the middle. He has a body type that is more appropriate for a basketball player or a sprinter and will need some weight work, which could slow him down. Gibson is somewhat prone to injuries probably due to his lean frame. Not a very good blocker and will need to develop a better attitude to get better at it.

Overall: I’m not sure that Gibson will be able to develop into a starter at the next level but he will have his uses. As a third receiver, he’ll give the QB a nice target to find to move the chains and he could become deadly in the end zone. If he does develop into a starter it will because he accepted the responsibility to become a better blocker. I’m sure that fellow former Bulldog Hines Ward will take a special interest in him and help out in that regard.

Hope he is: The receiver the Steelers thought they were getting in Plaxico Burress.

Hope he is not: It would be easy to say Burress here but I’ll go with Danny Farmer here. The former fourth rounder came with size but not the ability to even make the team.

Who’s roster spot? Plaxico Burress is gone, Cedric Wilson is in and that leaves him competing with Lee Mays and Zamir Cobb (and some other UFAs) for two spots.

Tim’s pick: This one’s easy; I loved the pick of Gibson. After him, the WR position really fell off talent wise. If forced, I would go with Chris Canty, the damaged DE from Virginia.

Pick #5 (#166 overall) Rian Wallace LB Temple
I still think Temple owes the Steelers a couple of good players after the busts of John Reinstra and Mattias Nkwenti. On the bright side, Wallace is a LB and not an O-lineman. That said, I think he has as much of a chance to succeed as to bust. This one’s a toughie.

Pros: Wallace is a great athlete; he has the speed to play outside and the strength to play inside. He can get after the ball carrier and make the plays behind the line of scrimmage and from behind. He’s a big hitter as well, enough so that he makes more sense inside in a 3-4 defense. He looks like he would make a great special teamer.

Cons: Wallace is not going to be anything more than a two down player in the NFL as he works well moving forward and side to side but not moving backwards. His coverage skills are lacking and he can be exposed in zones and very easily in man defense. He will need to learn how to shed blocks better at the next level, as he can’t expect to be able to run around them.

Overall: Wallace looks like the kind of player the Steelers needed from this draft at this point. He should be able to provide adequate skills as a reserve inside ‘backer as well as developing skills that would allow him to project outside if needed. In the mean time, he should add some depth on special teams.

Hope he is: Another Larry Foote, a good special teamer who made the smooth transition to starter a few years after being drafted.

Hope he’s not: Another Temple bust for the Steelers.

Who’s roster spot? Kendrell Bell and his bothersome groin have already headed west to K.C.

Tim’s pick: This is one pick that I would have gone in a different direction. If my draft would have been perfect, this is where I would have taken Essex. If I were going off of my list, I would have taken the guy the Steelers were able to get in the next round. So, if I were just looking at someone that the Steelers didn’t already draft or that they would in another round, I would go with the DE from Oregon St., Bill Swancutt. I think he could be turned into a Mike Vrabel type of guy.

Pick #6 (#204 overall) Chris Kemoeatu OG Utah
Christmas came early again for the Steelers as the rest of the NFL somehow let this guy slide to the bottom of the sixth round. Most boards I kept tabs on had him rated anywhere from #80 to #120 overall. The Steelers were able to get him much cheaper. I guess some folks out there just don’t like a guy that kicks a little head once in a while. Yes, I said head; he did that to an opponent this past season. Yep, you never want a nasty guard for your interior, right? I’m sure Russ Grimm is very upset (wink, wink).

Pros: The terms you here most often describing Kemoeatu are brawler and road grader. They describe him perfectly. He’s a guy who can take over the interior of a line and just drive it into the ground. He has great size (6-4 344) and moves very well for a guy that size. He has a good knee bend and maintains his balance well. Pulling will not be an obstacle for him.

Cons: Well, he does have that temper which he will have to keep in check. Coaches hate getting 15-yard penalties, especially from interior lineman. He doesn’t have the longest arms either which shouldn’t hurt him too much inside. At 344 pounds, his weight will have to be monitored.

Overall: The Steelers picked up the steal of the round and one of the bigger of the day with this pick. If he plays up to his abilities, he may just press the oft-injured Kendal Simmons for his position. Worst case, they have added some quality depth to a position that was lacking it.

Hope he is: A solid reserve this season and able to step in for either Simmons or Faneca in due time.

Hope he is not: Nkwenti, Stephens, Kris Farris or any other failed OL from the past.

Who’s roster spot? Keydrick Vincent has already left and joined the enemy in Baltimore.

Tim’s pick: Easily Kemoeatu here. I’m not even going to throw another name out there.

Pick #7a (#228 overall) Shaun Nua DE BYU
Nua is another one of the players I highlighted in my end of the draft projections article. At least this one was chosen at the end of the draft. Besides, the Steelers like drafting the Samoans.

Pros: Nua is a player that was on the rise as the draft approached. Teams started to notice his physical skills and the production he put up at BYU. He’s strong and able to get through O-lineman. He’s always moving and working towards the objective. Gets out of his stance quickly and reacts well to the play. Has shown good feet and the ability to keep the pressure on his blocker.

Cons: He’s strong but not very fast. He’ll never be the kind of player that can take an OT on the outside consistently. He’ll need to add weight if he’s going to play DE in a 3-4 defense. He needs to learn more moves besides the bull rush and the rip.

Overall: Nua looks like a very interesting project that isn’t too far off from being a force on the line. What remains to be seen is if he can play effectively with more weight on. At 6-5 he has the frame to carry more than 270 so if he can get up to 290 and still maintain his initial quickness, he could become a valuable member of the rotation.

Hope he is: Another former BYU project, Chris Hoke.

Hope he is not: Former low round DL, Chris Combs.

Who’s roster spot? The two players who stand in Nua’s way are Brett Keisel and Travis Kirschke.

Tim’s pick: While I do like Nua as a player, I think the Steelers could have signed him after the draft. If I had my choice I would have drafted Louisville WR J.R. Russell. He may have a bit of an attitude but he has the kind of talent to make a team and become a factor for them.

Pick #7b (#244 overall) Noah Herron RB Northwestern
The Steelers have been eyeing the situation with Jerome Bettis and his possible retirement all off-season. Even if he does play this season (and it looks like he will), it looks like it will be his last. With that in mind, a big back was always in the Steelers’ thinking on draft day, which lead them to Noah Herron.

Pros: At 5-11 and 225 he has both the size now to compete at the next level and the frame to add even more weight if necessary. He has decent speed, the ability to make people miss running inside and runs low to the ground with good balance. His hands are a positive to his game as he has shown the ability to catch the short and longer passes and has good concentration. He’s not afraid to throw a block and is good with or without the ball.

Cons: A bit ordinary as a runner. He doesn’t have the speed to get outside or the quickness to create a play if an obvious hole isn’t there. He’s not too creative once in the hole often moving forward in a defensive manner. Probably won’t be the kind of runner that you can give the ball to 20-25 times a game.

Overall: Herron is the kind of RB that the Steelers could turn into an effective player. He might not be an every down back but he could develop into a nice single back and third down back in the Steelers offense. With his size, he could spend a season developing as a reserve fullback to find a spot on the roster and step up after Bettis retires. He has a surprising amount of talent and upside for a player that was drafted at the bottom of the seventh round.

Hope he is: A healthier version of Verron Haynes.

Hope he is not: Practice squad veteran JT Wall.

Who’s roster spot? That’s a tough one. I doubt the Steelers will be letting any RBs go so my guess is that it will be between him and Matt Cushing for the reserve FB spot.

Tim’s pick: While I don’t mind this pick at all, I really liked Fort Valley State’s Derrick Wimbush if I was looking at RBs. If I were open to position I would have grabbed Arizona St. CB Chris McKenzie. Even though he’s only 5-9, he does run a low 4.3 and is built big enough to handle the run. I’m surprised he wasn’t drafted.

Well, there it is, another draft has come and gone and we’re ready to head into the mini camps and beyond. After last year’s draft, we had found the QB of the future and little did we know, the QB of the present as well. Now, I really doubt that any pick from this year’s draft will have that kind of an impact but I’m sure that this group will not be silent. The Steelers have added a starting TE, a starting caliber or depth adding CB, two desperately needed reserve O-lineman and some depth at WR, LB, DE and RB. Not a bad day. As a matter of fact, I would not be surprised to see at least six of the eight to make the team and I could envision all eight on the roster. That’s a tough thing to ask of a draft that was selecting at the bottom of every round and for a team that just went 15-1 in the regular season. That leads us to my draft grade which I will happily give the Steelers a…

Tim’s draft grade: A- This was an almost perfect draft. I dropped the minus in there because I still think that Essex could have been had later and I think the seventh round could have been a tad better.\

OK, that’s all for now. Stay tuned as I go over our post draft sightings and some other league tidbits real soon.

Until then…

Tim Campion