Crispy M&Ms: check.
Cheez-Curls: check.
Stewart's Key-Lime soda: check.
50% off coupon for Krispy Kremes: check.
Ingredients for the ultimate dill-weed dip: check.
Round Table Pizza's phone number on speed-dial: check.
Pepto-Bismal: check.
Now that I have that taken care of, on to the lesser necessities: player evaluations.
The Steelers have no glaring needs; Cowher can truly choose the best available player. Hence, Steelers fans have oriented themselves into differing camps, with each group having reasons that a certain player or position "has" to be drafted in Round 1.
THE "Someone to Fall Down after the Catch" CAMP
It seems that the majority of Steelers fans feel this
need to replace Plaxico Burress (who is now stealing
money from the New York Giants). I will not bore
anyone by reiterating my unwavering belief in Antwaan
Randle El; I will simply analyze the two players most
likely to be drafted.
Because so many Steelers fans want a wide-out chosen in Round 1, it is necessary to delineate them into sub-groups, the first of which is The "Mike Mamula" Fan Club...who have Matt Jones as their poster-boy.
Jones has been on my radar for a while; I have previously listed him as a possible second round pick...which seemed logical to me. But, then the hype-machine started up its engine. The hysteria over this quarterback-turned-wideout is so great, that people in San Diego have suggested taking him at #12 "because he might not be there at #28."
Again, I like the guy. I wanted the guy for the Steelers. But, I am not sold on Jones being drafted in Round 1. Great 40 times (4.5), ideal height (6'6"), impressive size (245 lbs), and superb hands aside, there is no history with Matt Jones. Randle El was able to make the transition, but other players have not. In short, Matt Jones is a gamble.
That said, if Jones is indeed the selection, then the
Steelers absolutely have to also draft Rasheed
Marshall* in the later rounds...as well as trade for
Drew Bennett*.
*(Note: if you understand why, then you are wicked
smart and/or have my sense of humor.)
On the flip-side of the hype-machine is The "Sam Mills" Committee. These Steelers fans covet players who succeed despite lacking ideal size, strength, or speed. For these athletes, their biggest asset is their heart. In essence, Mark Clayton.
Mark Clayton may not be fastest, nor the tallest, nor the strongest wide receiver in this draft, but he is definitely the most competitive. He will block until he is sore, catch the ball in traffic, and run routes until he drops to his knees gasping for breath..and then he will try even harder. Essentially, he is a shorter, slower version of Hines Ward.
THE "Missing Piece" CAMP
The Steelers have not had a decent tight end since
Eric Green. Some Steelers fans say that Cowher does
not throw to the tight end anyway; so why waste the
pick? To which I retort, maybe the Steelers have
simply not had a tight end worthy of having the ball
thrown his way.
Last season, before Jay Riemersma got hurt, Roethlisberger looked for his tight ends in the red-zone and on third downs. I do not think it is a coincidence that Ben's troubles (interceptions) started shortly after Jay's injury.
If Heath Miller drops to the Steelers, they would be smart to draft him. The kid has the softest hands I have seen on a tight end in a long time. Heck, he probably has the best hands of any player in this draft (wide receivers included). Of course, in all likelihood, Heath will be long gone by the time that Pittsburgh picks...then again, tight ends always seem to slip.
THE "Kimo von Oelhoffen is Old" CAMP
I was a huge proponent of moving Chris Hoke to
defensive end. Not only does he deserve to stay on
the field, but it would eliminate a "need" come draft
day. Alas, no one seems to agree with me on this
topic.
I understand that Kimo played well last year, but he is 34 years old; his days are numbered. It is better to have a replacement in line waiting to take over, rather than wait until Kimo "hits the wall."
That said, Cowher is high on Brett Keisel. Hence, defensive end might be neglected in Round 1...which may better anyway, because in all likelihood, Marcus Spears and Shaun Cody will both be gone by that time, and no other defensive lineman really fits into Pittsburgh's 3-4 scheme.
THE "Willie Williams is Older" CAMP
Members of this group point to the fact that the
secondary has been giving the Steelers fits for years.
That said, two years ago, Troy Polamalu and Chris
Hope were making plays during practice, and Cowher
inserted them as starters the following season.
Polamalu and Hope added speed and play-making ability
to this unit, and the secondary improved.
