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Let the NFL Draft talk begin...  - 02/24/06

As we get closer to the draft I plan on adding comments or information as I get it. I have numerous e-mails already out to some of the people I know in the league and as they respond I'll give you as much info as they let me right here. I don't know when they'll respond but they usually always do. For now, here's an exerpt from an e-mail I sent out yesterday taking an early stab at what the Steelers might look at in the first four rounds. I'll be back with more soon.-Tim

As for who the Steelers might take with the first pick of the second round (I'm being an optomist, I hate being last), I could give you a bunch of names. Something tells me that somebody will fall through the cracks though and he will be the guy. Problem is, I have no idea who that will be. Here's some names at Steelers need positions that might be worth a look.

QB: Just kidding. Just give me Bruce Gradkowski in the fourth and I'll be happy

RB: Joseph Addai, LSU. Great compliment to Willie who could be the third down back as well. Read up on him, you'll like what you see. If Lawrence Maroney, the Great Gopher, is there, let him keep sliding. He doesn't block, is not good in short yardage and tends to dinged up a bit too much for my tastes. My guess is that he'll end up in Indy anyways.

WR: Yuck, nothing worth the first pick. I wouldn't even take Santonio Holmes if he was there. If you want to spend top pick money on a receiver just give it to Randle El.

TE: Don't laugh, there may be a talent like Mercedes Lewis or Leonard Pope sitting there. Best player availabe don't ya know. I think Pope would be real interesting with both his size and ability to get down the field. Our offense would be very hard to figure out if they were to get him. Before you laugh, New England did the same kind of thing, they took two TEs in the first round close to each other (Daniel Graham and Ben Watson). It seems to have worked out OK for them. Now, all that said, the Steelers have greater needs and would be better off drafting elsewhere.

OL: Nothing around 32 excites me but that can change. I don't think the need is that great either since the starters played well and outside of the center position, look solid for a few years at least. Even RG will be fine with either Simmons or Kemoeatu. Some folks out there want C Nick Mangold in the first. That would be a bit of a reach IMO.

DL: Yes please! If there is a quality DE available the Steelers should look in that direction. Problem is, as it stands right now there is no DE who makes sense at 32. That really could change though so keep an open mind.

LB: DEEEEEP position this year. A lot of folks have us picking Ohio St.'s Bobby Carpenter but I think we can do better. I has hoping FSU's Ernie Sims might fly under the radar enough for him to be there but the word is out already (just like I was hoping the world would forget about Shawn Merriman last year-fat chance). My favorite who has a chance at being there is D'Qwell Jackson right now. As always, I reserve the right to change my mind.

CB: Lots of talent but most of it can be had with a 2nd or 3rd round pick. No need to reach in round 1. The Steelers will need to add one though.

S: To be more precise, FS. I think our SS spot is OK for a while but the Steelers will need to add a future FS and lots of depth. I think that knee injury in the Super Bowl is the end of Logan's career and if the Steelers don't sign anyone, Tyrone Carter is no longer depth, he's a starter. As I've mentioned before, I don't have a problem with that, I dig Tyrone (yes, he was a Gopher too). Names to keep an eye on are young Ko Simpson and a name nobody is talking about but watch out for him, Tennessee's Jason Allen. He has CB cover skills and only an injury makes him available down here. Most have him in the second but this could be the biggest bargain play the Steelers could do. Before his injury (hip) he was a top 10 talent. If he shows up at the combine healthy, he might be the guy.

OK, here's a real quick, off the top of my head, first four rounds including two comp picks.

1.) Jason Allen FS/CB Tennessee: The Steelers tend to use their first pick to fill an immediate hole. Allen, If healthy could be a real steal at the bottom of the first.

2.) Abdul Hodge LB Iowa: Should go higher but will be a numbers victim. There is just so much quality at the position, somebody has to slide. He'll start out as a valuable special teamer and will challenge Larry Foote from the get go.

3.) Martin Nance WR Miami (Oh): Surprise! A lot have this guy going much higher but I don't think he'll post good enough speed numbers to get there. He has a "nice package" except for his wheels. This would be a gift for Ben.

3.) (comp) Cedric Humes RB Va Tech: A big back that runs well in traffic and is built like a shithouse made of brick. He makes a nice replacement for the Bus and could hopefully assume some of his duties.

4.) Bruce Gradkowski QB Toledo: Everything you want in a QB except great size and a great arm. That said, he's everything you want in a backup QB. His mobility makes him an interesting asset early in his career.

4.) (comp) Andrew Whitworth OT LSU: Was considered a high pick at one time but his lack of athleticism has really pushed him back. He would come in and be a strong candidate for the reserve RT role. The guy can block, the question is, can he move well enough to get to the block?

There, not the most exciting draft but one that would fill some holes and add needed depth. I'm guessing I'll change this up just a few times before the actual draft though.

nuf fer now,

Tim Campion