BWG Nation is anxiously waiting to see who will be the 2012 First round pick!
The Top Three Needs of the Steelers:
1. Offensive Line: Is there anything more important than this? Most of the media is touting that the Steelers will grab a Middle Linebacker to replace James Farrior. That makes no sense whatsoever, as the Steelers are stacked at linebacker. The key has to be protecting Ben and unless they want him looking through his ear hole again this season they need to upgrade the interior line. The Steelers played 9 different combinations of linemen in 16 games last season. Kevin Colbert will stick to the draft board but the Steelers absolutely need to grab a Guard in the first two rounds and need to grab a big development guy in the later rounds for depth.
2. Defensive Tackle: Big Snack is in the twilight of his great career and his top backup, the venerable Chris Hoke, has retired. The bench is thin behind them now. Steve McClendon is athletic but too small to play full time in such a demanding position. The Steelers will target Hampton’s replacement somewhere in the middle rounds where they can afford a project guy who matches the physical needs of the position. The 3-4 doesn’t work without a huge NT.
3. Defensive Back: The Steelers rid themselves of Bryan McFadden, who lost his starting spot, and they lost the talented, but erratic, William Gay in free agency. What was painfully obvious during the playoffs is that the Steelers need some help at Cornerback. Ike Taylor had a great season then played his worst game as a Steeler at the worst possible time. Keenan Lewis is about to have his breakout season and should continue to help the secondary. As for safeties; Troy Polamalu is Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark had a huge year, probably his best as a Steeler. Look for the Steelers to grab someone who is a developmental project in the middle rounds at any of the spots.
The Steelers have been excellent in the first round, but struggled after that. Out of 41 picks in the last five years the Steelers have drafted 9 starters and drafted 9 players that are no longer in football. The Steelers need to have a big draft all three days to stay as a perennial contenders.