Then, the Steelers signed Justin Hartwig (center) to a two year deal.
The trickle-down effect indicates that Sean Mahan will likely move to left guard...for at least the time being. The optimist in me realizes that maybe Mahan's difficulties last season might have been due to him trying to play center: he might be better suited to play guard. Then again, the pessimist in me is screaming "Cut him!!!"
Regardless, the Hartwig signing, added to the fact that this is an incredibly deep draft class at offensive guard, makes predicting Pittsburgh's first round pick a little more elusive. Branden Albert is the fan favorite, as evidence by the fact that every mock draft has him listed as the twenty-third overall selection. But, behind Albert are many quality guards, namely the two studs from USC: Chilo Rachel and Drew Radovich.
Again, all of these facts make the "obvious" selection of Albert in the first round, less and less obvious.
Mind you, I would not mind at all if Pittsburgh drafted an offensive lineman in the first round (and the second round...and the third round). At the same time, after signing Jeff Hartwig, I am no longer absolutely certain that Pittsburgh's first round selection will indeed be used to bolster the offensive line.
Of course, Albert (or Otah or Cherilus) would be fine and dandy by me. But, my gut keeps telling me it is going to be Aqib Talib (CB, Kansas). Simply, the kid is Ike Taylor in size, stature, and attitude...but, with hands. Considering the tall, strong receivers that are in the AFC North (e.g. Braylon Edwards, T.J. Houshmandzadeh), having a tall, strong cornerback to play opposite of Ike Taylor makes a ton of sense.
Sidenote: if the Steelers do indeed select Talib in the first round, then I strongly urge them to use the rest of their day one picks on offensive linemen...with my preference being Sam Baker (OT, USC) and/or either of the aforementioned Trojan guards.
Simply, the Steelers doled out a bazillion dollars to extend Ben Roethlisberger's contract for another eight years...and I would like to see Ben play all of those years. In other words, I am tired of seeing Ben being forced to scramble on every single play. Let's get him a line...and watch how good he can be, when he is not running for his life.
