The 2010 NFL Draft is now in the books, so it’s time to take a look at the Steelers draft choices made this year from Sports Beat’s perspective.
First round pick Maurkice Pounce,y C/G, University of Florida
While it was speculated the Steelers may have selected a cornerback or wide receiver with their first round pick, this was the most logical and it played into the Steelers’ hands. Offensive line needed to be addressed and this was the first step in the right direction. Pouncey was who Tim Tebow took snaps from during his career and he has two national championship rings in his arsenal. He has the championship caliber in him and he is coming to the right place to continue that tradition.
Pouncey is a Steeler guy, meaning his character and his integrity match his athleticism and playing ability. Pouncey could end up starting immediately (if not sooner) and is the would-be heir apparent to the center position long manned by Ray Mansfield, Mike Webster, and Dermontti Dawson. Regardless of who ends up taking the snaps for the Steelers, Pouncey is likely to be the anchor for the next 10, 12, or 15 years. A wise choice and a no brainer.
Second round pick Jason Worilds, OLB, Virginia Tech
The Steelers seem to love those Virginia boys. On a team that has a rich tradition at linebacker, this was the first of many picks at the position that could add needed depth and eventual replacements for either James Harrison or James Farrior. The 3-4 defense is depended on linebackers making plays at the expense of the defensive line doing the dirty work. However, special teams is also likely to be addressed with these linebacker picks, as that has been a sore spot for years with this team. Worilds is going to get a serious look and could get some playing time in nickel and dime packages.
Third round pick Emmanuel Sanders, WR, SMU
At some point, the Steelers were going to address the wide receiver position, regardless of what they did with Santonio Holmes, who was subsequently traded to the New York Jets. Sanders does not arrive in Pittsburgh with baggage. His head coach at the time at SMU, Phil Bennett, is now the University of Pittsburgh defensive coordinator. He gave the Steelers some advice and Sanders a plug. He is probably more in the mold of Mike Wallace; however, no matter. Sanders will get a long look and could end up spelling Hines Ward in certain situations, keeping the veteran healthy.
Fourth round pick Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State
The Buckeyes seem to crank out pro prospects every year, and Columbus is only about a two hour drive to the west of Pittsburgh. This is another pick to add depth to the linebacking corps and to help shore up special teams play.
Gibson is a strong bet to make this team because of his Ohio State pedigree and could end up spelling Harrison or Farrior in certain situations. While others may question why the Steelers addressed the linebacking position, depth here is critical for the 3-4 defense. Another smart pick, despite the naysayers.
Fifth round pick number 1 Chris Scott, OT, Tennessee
Back to the offensive line and another no brainer. After firing offensive line coach Larry Zierlein, this line needs a long look and a fresh infusion of blood. Scott, along with Pouncey, should provide that. Another pick that will get a long look in training camp and preseason. No job should be safe on the offensive line, so this could be another pick that allows the team to shore up all the sacks that were given up and allow the Steelers to return to pounding the rock.
Fifth round pick number 2 Stevenson Sylvester, LB, Utah
Again, adding depth to the linebacking corps. You can never have enough good players, regardless of position, and this seems to be the story the Steelers are writing for the 2010 season and beyond. Sylvester, along with his linebacking brethren in this draft class, will get a long look.
Sixth round pick number 1 Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
Here is the depth the Steelers are looking for behind Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore, or so they hope. Dwyer was projected to go much higher than the sixth round, but he fell and the Steelers grabbed him. You can be sure that, with the offensive linemen drafted along with him, Dwyer is going to get a long look during camp and the preseason, and he is likely to spell Mendenhall where needed to keep him fresh.
Sixth round pick number 2 Antonio Brown, WR, Central Michigan
Another pick to address the depth on the wide receiving corps. Could battle for a roster spot and will probably play some on special teams. His selection, along with Sanders, could be sending a message to Limas Sweed that he needs to grow up and decide if he wants to play ball.
Seventh round pick Doug Worthington, DL, Ohio State
Back to Buckeye land to address a defensive line that is not getting any younger and drastically needs new blood. Last year’s number one pick, Ziggy Hood, is the only player under 30 on the line. Now Worthington joins him. Without jumping the gun, it is Sports Beat’s belief that Worthington makes the team based on his age and infusion of youth. Again, Ohio State churns out pro prospects like an assembly line. Worthington is going to his looks this offseason, camp, and preseason. He could turn out to be a very important pick in this draft for the concerns on the defensive line alone.
The only surprise is that the Steelers did not take a look at Terrence Cody, DL, from Alabama, who would up with Baltimore. He would have looked real good in black and gold. However, this is not to say the Steelers didn’t do their homework. Perhaps his weight and work ethic were in question. It will be a test of the offensive line to keep Cody in check twice a year, provided he lives up to his billing.
*The Penguins wound up their first round series with Ottawa Saturday night in overtime. At press time, they await either Boston or Montreal. The conference semifinals will likely start sometime this weekend.
First round pick Maurkice Pounce,y C/G, University of Florida
While it was speculated the Steelers may have selected a cornerback or wide receiver with their first round pick, this was the most logical and it played into the Steelers’ hands. Offensive line needed to be addressed and this was the first step in the right direction. Pouncey was who Tim Tebow took snaps from during his career and he has two national championship rings in his arsenal. He has the championship caliber in him and he is coming to the right place to continue that tradition.
Pouncey is a Steeler guy, meaning his character and his integrity match his athleticism and playing ability. Pouncey could end up starting immediately (if not sooner) and is the would-be heir apparent to the center position long manned by Ray Mansfield, Mike Webster, and Dermontti Dawson. Regardless of who ends up taking the snaps for the Steelers, Pouncey is likely to be the anchor for the next 10, 12, or 15 years. A wise choice and a no brainer.
Second round pick Jason Worilds, OLB, Virginia Tech
The Steelers seem to love those Virginia boys. On a team that has a rich tradition at linebacker, this was the first of many picks at the position that could add needed depth and eventual replacements for either James Harrison or James Farrior. The 3-4 defense is depended on linebackers making plays at the expense of the defensive line doing the dirty work. However, special teams is also likely to be addressed with these linebacker picks, as that has been a sore spot for years with this team. Worilds is going to get a serious look and could get some playing time in nickel and dime packages.
Third round pick Emmanuel Sanders, WR, SMU
At some point, the Steelers were going to address the wide receiver position, regardless of what they did with Santonio Holmes, who was subsequently traded to the New York Jets. Sanders does not arrive in Pittsburgh with baggage. His head coach at the time at SMU, Phil Bennett, is now the University of Pittsburgh defensive coordinator. He gave the Steelers some advice and Sanders a plug. He is probably more in the mold of Mike Wallace; however, no matter. Sanders will get a long look and could end up spelling Hines Ward in certain situations, keeping the veteran healthy.
Fourth round pick Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State
The Buckeyes seem to crank out pro prospects every year, and Columbus is only about a two hour drive to the west of Pittsburgh. This is another pick to add depth to the linebacking corps and to help shore up special teams play.
Gibson is a strong bet to make this team because of his Ohio State pedigree and could end up spelling Harrison or Farrior in certain situations. While others may question why the Steelers addressed the linebacking position, depth here is critical for the 3-4 defense. Another smart pick, despite the naysayers.
Fifth round pick number 1 Chris Scott, OT, Tennessee
Back to the offensive line and another no brainer. After firing offensive line coach Larry Zierlein, this line needs a long look and a fresh infusion of blood. Scott, along with Pouncey, should provide that. Another pick that will get a long look in training camp and preseason. No job should be safe on the offensive line, so this could be another pick that allows the team to shore up all the sacks that were given up and allow the Steelers to return to pounding the rock.
Fifth round pick number 2 Stevenson Sylvester, LB, Utah
Again, adding depth to the linebacking corps. You can never have enough good players, regardless of position, and this seems to be the story the Steelers are writing for the 2010 season and beyond. Sylvester, along with his linebacking brethren in this draft class, will get a long look.
Sixth round pick number 1 Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
Here is the depth the Steelers are looking for behind Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore, or so they hope. Dwyer was projected to go much higher than the sixth round, but he fell and the Steelers grabbed him. You can be sure that, with the offensive linemen drafted along with him, Dwyer is going to get a long look during camp and the preseason, and he is likely to spell Mendenhall where needed to keep him fresh.
Sixth round pick number 2 Antonio Brown, WR, Central Michigan
Another pick to address the depth on the wide receiving corps. Could battle for a roster spot and will probably play some on special teams. His selection, along with Sanders, could be sending a message to Limas Sweed that he needs to grow up and decide if he wants to play ball.
Seventh round pick Doug Worthington, DL, Ohio State
Back to Buckeye land to address a defensive line that is not getting any younger and drastically needs new blood. Last year’s number one pick, Ziggy Hood, is the only player under 30 on the line. Now Worthington joins him. Without jumping the gun, it is Sports Beat’s belief that Worthington makes the team based on his age and infusion of youth. Again, Ohio State churns out pro prospects like an assembly line. Worthington is going to his looks this offseason, camp, and preseason. He could turn out to be a very important pick in this draft for the concerns on the defensive line alone.
The only surprise is that the Steelers did not take a look at Terrence Cody, DL, from Alabama, who would up with Baltimore. He would have looked real good in black and gold. However, this is not to say the Steelers didn’t do their homework. Perhaps his weight and work ethic were in question. It will be a test of the offensive line to keep Cody in check twice a year, provided he lives up to his billing.
*The Penguins wound up their first round series with Ottawa Saturday night in overtime. At press time, they await either Boston or Montreal. The conference semifinals will likely start sometime this weekend.
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