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1) DE Cameron Heyward
2) OT Marcus Gilbert
3) CB Curtis Brown
4) CB Cortez Allen
5) LB Chris Carter
6) OG Keith Williams
7) RB Baron Batch
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This was another typical Steelers draft that featured:
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Established, proven, low-risk players from Big college programs drafted in the first 3 rounds
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Developmental players in rounds 4-7
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Drafting to fill needs with the best player available
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Little draft maneuvering. In this case, no trades at all
First rounder Cameron Heyward is a great long-term investment in the defense. Although the team needed a cover corner more, there wasn't one available with the type of skill Heyward demonstrated as a lineman.
The team got corners later in rounds 3 and 4 while filling it's other top need, Offensive line, in rounds 2 and 6. A 3-4 linebacker and 3rd down running back were added in rounds 5 and 7.
Overall, it was a solid draft of good value throughout with no major reaches.
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Defensive End, Ohio St., 6'5", 295#
Draft Day Impressions: The Steelers found great value in Heyward, baby "Iron" head. This player was very productive and durable for Ohio St. He comes from great bloodlines - his father was former Pitt Panther and Saints #1 pick RB Craig Heyward.
While his father did some stupid things as a Panther, like beating up a P-G paper boy, his son does not seem to carry any knucklehead traits and is said to be of high character.
Considering the recent success of preparing Ziggy Hood (the 2009 #1 draft pick) to replace Aaron Smith at the other Defensive end position, this pick makes great sense.
In the same way, Heyward will be groomed to take over for Pro Bowl Defensive End Brett Kiesel who is 33 years old and battled through injury in 2010.
Draft Grade: B+, Predicted Grade after 3 years: B+ |
Other players the Steelers could have drafted instead in round #1: OT Derek Sherrod (Green Bay), DB Aaron Williams, (Buffalo), CB, Ras-I Dowling, (Patriots) |
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Offensive Tackle, Florida, 6'6", 330
Draft Day Impressions: This guy is Max Starks with better feet.
Gilbert and Starks have the same huge frame and both played Left Tackle at Florida. Hopefully, Starks will be able to recover from the Neck/Back injury that ended his 2010 season. If not, Gilbert may have to play immediately.
I think the best scenario would be for Gilbert to suit up as the 7th Offensive lineman this year and then play right tackle in 2012 and Left Tackle in 2013.
Gilbert played with Steelers center Pouncey while at Florida and are said to be good friends with each other which is helpful in communication on the line.
Draft Grade: B+, Predicted Grade after 3 years: B |
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Corner Back, Texas, 6'0", 185#
Draft Day Impressions: Brown was overshadowed by teammate and fellow corner Aaron Williams who was drafted at the top of the 2nd round by Buffalo.
But as often is the case, after scouts and coaches watched the game tapes, the Steelers liked this player just as much, if not more. In addition, Brown is a pure corner whereas Williams will probably move to safety.
Brown looks to be cut in the Bryant McFadden mold: good speed, good size, good hands, good coverage skills. Nothing outstanding. Just solid play and lots of experience.
He should be able to play in the Dime defense almost immediately and beat out the existing corners Crezdon Butler and Keenan Lewis in training camp. Brown also did some punt returning for Texas which is an area in which the Steelers need some help.
Draft Grade: B+, Predicted Grade after 3 years: B |
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Corner Back, Citadel, 6'2", 197#
Draft Day Impressions: This is a Carnell Lake pick. Lake is the former UCLA Bruin linebacker and #2 Steeler draft choice who made the transition to Pro Bowl Safety and Cornerback for the Steelers.
Today, Lake is the Steelers rookie secondary coach. I can't help but to see the similarities between Lake and this 4th round pick. Both are about the same size, are excellent athletes and had little experience or training at their position coming to the Steelers.
Allen graduated from the Citadel, a military academy. And while he did play cornerback, unlike other "amateur" athletes today, football was truly not his #1 priority. He didn't get a lot of training in the craft of defensive back play. I'm sure Lake believes he can coach this excellent athlete with great size into a starting NFL corner -- just like Lake did himself.
It's a tall order for two tall people.
Draft Grade: B-, Predicted Grade after 3 years: C- |
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Linebacker, Fresno St., 6'1", 245#
Draft Day Impressions: It seems like the Steelers buy a lottery ticket on a college defensive end every year. At the least, he should be able to contribute on special teams.
While all the reports I have read indicate Carter will be placed at outside linebacker, I think he would be better on the inside. With his height (6'1), frame (245#) and speed (4.6-40), I see him playing inside and potentially as a replacement for James Farrior. That's a long way to go: from Fresno St. to calling the Steelers D, but I can see it happening.
Carter was projected as a 3rd round pick so this is great value.
Grade: A-, Predicted Grade after 3 years: B+ |
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, Offensive Guard, Nebraska, 6'5" 315#
Draft Day Impressions: I can't get very excited about this pick. Offensive line coach Sean Kugler has to see the aggressive play and intelligence because he certainly doesn't display great athleticism.
Grade: C, Predicted Grade after 3 years: C- |
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, Running Back, Texas Tech., 5'10" 200#
Draft Day Impressions: Current 3rd down back Mewelde Moore is slowing down and is not under contract. Batch has the opportunity to step into this role right away. Unlike many college backs coming to the NFL, he can pick up blitzers and understands that his role is not as a feature back.
Grade: B+, Predicted Grade after 3 years: B |
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