Par: 4 - Most teams realize that stopping the run is any defense's first priority...which corresponds directly with the play of the team's defensive tackles. Hence, defensive tackle had been the most prolifically drafted position in recent drafts. Score: 1 - Back in 2001, several draft review magazines stated that the Steelers had made one of the worst draft day decisions when they selected Casey Hampton. Four years later, those same publications have declared that Hampton is/was the reason for the resurgence of the "Steel Curtain" in Pittsburgh. Funny how a few years of taking on triple teams will make people notice you. With Chris Hoke moving to defensive end (see "Hole #10" below), the need here is solely for depth. Kendrick Clancey is decent, but besides being a free agent, his potential has peaked...whereas, a late round pick might turn into the next Chris Hoke.
Hole #10: Defensive End
Par: 4 - Teams that run the 4-3 defense have ends who
play at around 270 pounds. There is a multitude of
college players who have that body-type. Conversely,
the 3-4 end has to be shaped more like a smaller,
quicker tackle...which is quite difficult to find.
Score: 4 - Aaron Smith is a monster. He has the size
and quickness not seen in many 295 pound men, and yet,
he can stop the run like a 330 pound defensive tackle.
Kimo von Oelhoffen is not as quick nor as athletic,
but he rarely is out of position. Kimo is a very
solid, workman-like player. Still, he is getting
older by the minute...and, I do not see Cowher taking
Chris Hoke off the field. Hence, I could see Chris
Hoke moving to end and rotating with (and eventually
taking over for) Kimo. When he played at the nose,
Hoke was limited in what he could do as a pass-rusher,
because his assignments were different. Moving Hoke
to end will allow him to use all of his pass-rush
moves (which are pretty good). Remember, Hoke led the
team in sacks during the pre-season. I know, I know:
it was only pre-season. But, other players who have
held that honor have been Kendrell Bell and Joey
Porter...and both of them turned out to be pretty
decent in the regular season. Since we are on the
topic of linebackers....
Hole #11: Outside Linebackers
Par: 6 - Every team is looking for the next Lawrence
Taylor. For the 3-4 defense, it means drafting an
undersized defensive end and teaching him to line up
in a two-point stance.
Score: 5 - Joey Porter has not been the same since he
was shot. While he has been good, he was up for the
defensive MVP before he got shot, and he has not
returned to that same form...yet. On the other side,
the Steelers have Porter's former college roommate:
Clark Haggans. Clark has displayed flashes of
dominance, but then he has periods where he seems to
vanish. Regardless, he is more than adequate. James
Harrison backs up both positions, but the coaching
staff needs to find ways to get him on the field more.
Simply, when Harrison is present, good things occur.
Conversely, Alonzo Jackson is still trying to cover
the tight end that blew by him earlier in the season
(on that one play where Zo actually got on the field).
Like the running back position on offense,
linebackers are the heart and soul of the Steelers'
defense. Hence, the position is constantly being
addressed and upgraded. The starters are set, and
Harrison is a great back-up. Another player for depth
and development is needed, but probably not a high
pick.
