Most years, I only talk about the first round of the draft. But, this year, I have decided to take a stab at guessing all six of Pittsburgh's selections. [Please...try to contain your excitement.] First of all, trading down makes a ton of sense for the Steelers. But, trades are so hard to predict. Ergo, I have decided to keep the Steelers exactly where they are...(even though Atlanta trading back into the first round, to snag a quarterback, is not out of the question). Anyway, I have made a list of the six players who I think that the Steelers will draft come Saturday. Of course, if I have the first round incorrect, then the entire rest of the draft is likely to change accordingly. For example, if the Steelers select a defensive end in the first round (e.g. Phillip Merling, Clemson), then they obviously would not do so in the later rounds. Disregarding the "butterfly effect" that the first selection can have, here is how I foresee the draft unfolding.
R0: MAX STARKS, RT, Pittsburgh Steelers
Max Starks signed a one year contract, worth nearly $7 million dollars. And, since Starks is not worthy of $7 million per year, the chances of that contract turning into a long-term deal (e.g. 5 years $16 million) is a strong likelihood. In turn, that means that Starks will be the starting right tackle for the Steelers, for the foreseeable future. While I am personally not a fan of Starks, I have to admit that he did play fairly well in the final four weeks of last season. Furthermore, Hines Ward was once benched for poor play...and he eventually regained his starting job (and then some). I can only hope that Max Starks uses his demotion as motivation to become a better player. Essentially, this signing means that an offensive tackle being taken in round one is no longer likely to happen. Regardless, even if the Steelers had indeed decided to draft an offensive tackle, Gosder Cherilus (Boston College) and Sam Baker (USC) would have been reaches anyway; neither of those players is worthy of being drafted in round one. In turn, the Steelers are most likely going to draft...(drum roll)...
R1: DOMINANTOINE RODJENKINS-CASONARTIE, CB, Arizona/Tennessee State/South Florida
Not to toot my own horn, but that is what I call a clear-cut choice...uh...hmmm. While I may not know which exact player will drop to the Steelers, I do know the position: cornerback...(just as my gut has told me in every draft report thus far). First of all, Deshea Townsend is getting older. Secondly, one of the top-tier cornerbacks is likely to be available. Lastly, Mike Tomlin's experience as a defensive backs coach makes the selection of an elite cornerback all the more sense. While none of these three players is Rod Woodson, they all are excellent players. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie stood out as the best defensive back at the Senior Bowl...but, he is skinnier than Kate Moss. Antoine Cason had the best college career...but, is a tad slow. And, Mike Jenkins is a stud...who does not tackle well. Regardless, since the top-notch offensive tackles will be off of the board, the Steelers will opt to solidify their secondary.
R2: CHILO RACHAL, LG, USC
This is one of my favorite players in the draft. He is strong and physical...a mauler, if you will. He is the perfect replacement for Alan Faneca. I know that most people think that Kendall Simmons will be moved to left guard, but I honestly think that after this season (or maybe even by the start of this season), Simmons will be the starting center for the Steelers. Likewise, after another year of development, Trai Essex and Willie Colon will assuage Steelers fans of all of their previous concerns. In other words, Pittsburgh's offensive line for the 2009 season (and/or possibly by the end of the 2008 season) will look as such:
LT - Trai Essex
LG - Chilo Rachal
C - Kendall Simmons
RG - Willie Colon
RT - Max Starks...(if he becomes motivated)
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