R3-(a): PHILIP WHEELER, ILB, Georgia Tech
R3-(b): RED BRYANT, DE, Texas A&M
My brain tells me to go with the defensive end...but, my heart tells me to go with the linebacker. Bryant is a run-stuffing machine. For example, in his senior year, opposing offenses ran the ball at him 125 times...for only 89 yards. Plus, he not only admires and idolizes Casey Hampton, Bryant is friends with Pittsburgh's starting nose tackle. That said, I think Wheeler is the choice here, due to the fact that an impact linebacker has always been an integral part of Pittsburgh's defense, and Wheeler is indeed an "impact" linebacker (ha, ha, ha...I made a pun). In other words, the Steelers have (at times) been known for having the premier linebacking corps in the NFL...so, in order to once again reach that elite status, Wheeler is a must.
R4: JOSH JOHNSON, QB, San Diego
This is simply a "Homer" pick. True, the Steelers need a back-up quarterback, because Charlie Batch is not getting any younger. True, Ben rolls out very often, and thus the back-up quarterback more than just a role-player for the Steelers. True, the Steelers have been drafting late round quarterbacks, in hopes of finding a back-up...to no avail. All of those are great reasons to draft Johnson...but, honestly, the main reason I added the USD quarterback to this draft is because he played at a school down the road from where I attended college. Oh...and Johnson is a pretty darn good quarterback, to boot.
R5: OWEN SCHMITT, FB/RB, West Virginia
First off, I like Carey Davis...just not as much as I like Owen Schmitt. Plus, Davis could stay as the starting fullback, and instead, Schmitt can compete with Najeh Davenport for the role of third-down and/or short-yardage back. Besides, this hair-lipped, scar-faced, jagged-toothed Neanderthal told me that if I did not list him in my report, he would eat my toes. [No, not really...but, I am not taking any chances.]
R6-(a): KEILEN DYKES, DE, West Virginia
R6-(b): BEN MOFFITT, ILB, South Florida
This pick all depends on who is selected in the third round. And, just like in that round, I like both of these players equally well. Dykes is yet another late round "project." But, unlike Orien Harris or Ryan McBean, Dykes is a legitimate playmaker, with a non-stop motor, and a nasty streak. Plus, let us not forget that Aaron Smith was also a late round project. Moffitt reminds me of Zach Thomas: undersized and slow...yet, Moffitt has excelled due to his passion, heart, and brainy play. He is the kind of player for whom one roots. Think "Rudy"...only with more talent.
SUMMATION:
By drafting two linemen (one from each side of the ball), a linebacker, and a fullback, the Steelers will have re-solidified their identity as a "physical" team. An elite cornerback would add (much needed) athleticism to Pittsburgh's secondary. And, a young, able quarterback allows Ben to roam free, without fear of injury (Heaven forbid). In other words, if the draft unfolded as I have written it up, I would rank it up there with the 1974 draft...well...maybe not that good...but, darn close.
