NFL Draft – The Overview

Going into the draft, the Steelers had a couple needs. First and foremost, the secondary was the most blatant weakness.  Over the last two years, I, among others, have blasted the secondary for making errors that resulted in big plays for the opposing team. All of Steeler Nation was screaming for the Steelers to pick up a good corner in this draft. So, when that first pick was called and the Steelers chose defensive end, Cam Heyward, there was an instant moment of disappointment. But when you think about adding this young man to a defensive line and possibly improve the pass rush, you have to think that perhaps Kevin Colbert thought about something we had not.

Then in the second round, the Steelers chose Marcus Gilbert from Florida who had played with Maurkice Pouncey on the offensive line. Another somewhat let down since many in Steeler Nation also would have preferred drafting Mike Pouncey, Maurkice’s twin brother. But Mike was selected early in the first round and it didn’t make sense for the Steelers to trade up and lose any of the 7 picks they had. Gilbert will add some depth to an offensive line that has also been blasted over the last several years.

Finally in the third round, Steeler Nation’s wish is granted. Curtis Brown from Texas is chosen.  While many also thought Aaron Williams from Texas would have been a great selection for the Steelers, the organization feels that Brown will contribute as a cover corner who will play the nickel as well as outside.  Let’s hope that in the meatime, Ike Taylor is re-signed and that other corners on the roster, such as Crezdon Butler, step up to compete.  It’s necessary that the Steelers fill that glaring gap in the top defense in the League.

To round out the draft, the Steelers chose Cortez Allen, another corner back in the fourth round, Chris Carter, a DL in the fifth, Keith Williams, an OL in the sixth and Baron Batch, RB in the seventh.  If Colbert and Mike Tomlin feel this is a successful draft, then I trust their decisions.

After spending hours upon hours this weekend with both the NFL and the NFLPA, I just hope that an agreement is negotiated and football as we know it can resume. This weekend was a little tease of emotions. As the fans in the balcony booed the Commissioner to show their disappointment every single time he took the stage, it was apparent that all of us want the same goal: a 2011 football season.