Apr 21 2008

Every year, it is my draft-day tradition to gorge myself on V.G.'s donuts in the morning and Round Table's Milano Roastano pizza (smothered in dill dip) in the afternoon. Sure this menu sounds like something that could be found in a Morgan Spurlock documentary, but one day of experiencing a cholesterol-induced coma will not kill me...right?...right!?!

Anyway, except for the guarantee that my draft-day diet will be rich in fatty foods, nothing else about this upcoming draft is predictable in the least.

Most years, there is a player (or a select group of players) that is the obvious choice for the Steelers. Take for instance, the year that the Steelers drafted Heath Miller. I, like most prognosticators, had predicted his selection at least four months prior to the draft. Conversely, this year has me at a loss; no one player sticks out as the obvious choice. Ergo, I figure that the easiest way to figure out who Pittsburgh will draft is via the process of elimination.

VERNON GHOLSTON, linebacker, Ohio State
Three years ago, I wanted the Steelers to trade up for Shawne Merriman. Similarly, two years ago, I wanted the Steelers to trade up for A.J. Hawk. And, last year, I prayed that Patrick Willis would somehow drop down to Pittsburgh. So, it only follows that I would once again covet the best linebacker in the draft: Vernon Gholston.

[Note: I am extremely pleased with the selections of both Heath Miller and Santonio Holmes...so, please do not read too much "into" my aforementioned comments.]

Mind you, I realize that LaMarr Woodley is going to be a stud, and that James Harrison is already the epitome of a stud. But, a player like Gholston would make Pittsburgh's defense insane. And, as far as whose linebacker position Gholston would take, my answer is simple: Who cares? Maybe Harrison moves to one of the inside linebacker positions...or maybe there is some sort of rotation...or maybe Pittsburgh runs a 2-5 defense. Regardless, that is one dilemma with which Mike Tomlin assuredly would enjoy having to deal.

Alas, in order to trade up for Gholston, the Steelers would have to give up far too many draft picks. Ergo, I had better come up with an "actual" first round pick for the Steelers.

BRANDEN ALBERT, guard, Virginia
The kid is tough, talented, and can play either left tackle or left guard. Not only could he fill in for the departed Alan Faneca, Albert is the perfect insurance policy for next season, in the event that Marvel Smith has to retire. Yet, I am not convinced that Albert will be the pick.

Mind you, I think the kid will be a perennial All-Pro player. I could not dream of a better player to take at that slot. That said, I have several reasons to doubt that Albert will be Pittsburgh's first round selection.

First of all, Pittsburgh signed center Justin Hartwig. This means that (for the time being) Sean Mahan will likely move to left guard...I know, I know: the thought gives me shivers, as well.

Secondly, the young and talented guards and tackles on Pittsburgh's roster might just be the answer. Chris Kemoeatu has shown promise. Willie Colon played very well at right tackle last season...and he might be even better at guard. And, in my opinion, after another year of development, Trai Essex will take over at left tackle (you heard it here first). Essex has made a few starts against great defensive ends (e.g. Dwight Freeney)...and not given up any sacks. Again, in another year, Trai might be special.

Thirdly, this draft is deep at guard, with two of my favorites coming from USC: Chilo Rachal and Drew Radovich. In fact, I would not mind of the Steelers had an "all USC" draft:
R1 - Sam Baker, RT, USC
R2 - Chilo Rachal, LG, USC
R3 - Drew Radovich, RG, USC

Lastly, the way that Albert is skyrocketing up the boards, he is likely to already be gone by the time Pittsburgh gets on the clock. At which point, the Steelers should trade down. It should be noted that I suggested that Pittsburgh trade down last year. Alas, they drafted Lawrence Timmons. I keep hearing good things about Timmons...but, unfortunately, I have yet to see those "things" unfurl during a game. Back to my point: the Steelers should trade down. But...with whom?

San Diego might want to move in front of Tennessee to draft Limas Sweed (WR, Texas). Then again, San Diego is already without a second or third round pick...added to the fact that they have more pressing needs than wide receiver.

Every Steelers fan keeps suggesting that if Phillip Merling drops far enough, that Jacksonville would trade up. I refute this idea due to the fact that neither the Titans nor the Seahawks is likely to draft Merling; thus, Jacksonville would not need to trade up in order to get Merling. In fact, the only team that might draft Merling would be...hmmm...

PHILLIP MERLING, defensive end, Clemson
Aaron Smith is aging. And, when Smith was injured last season, Pittsburgh's defense went from elite to porous. Adding Merling would not only fill the eventual void (when Smith retires), but also adds another solid player to the rotation. In other words, Merling is the top player on my list.

GOSDER CHERILUS, tackle, Boston College
While the Steelers need help along their offensive line, reaching for a player (solely based on need) makes no sense. Instead, Pittsburgh should really select the best player avialable...which will likely not be an offensive lineman. The best way to describe Cherilus is that he is Max Starks, part two. Both men are mammoths...yet, neither of them can handle a speed-rush. Both struggled at left tackle in college, and are/were projected as right tackles in the pros. In short, Starks was unseated by Willie Colon...and I do not see Cherilus as being any better. In other words, if the Steelers want an adequate right tackle (as opposed ot a great one), they merely need to give Max Starks a contract extension.