Yes. I know what you’re thinking – thank God, I’ve been waiting, why the hell is there a full year between NFL Drafts? I don’t have a good answer, except that the commissioner is masochistic.
So, now I have about five days of random mock draft prognostications under my belt, thanks to Sirius satellite radio. You should know what this means… yes, I am ready to tell you what the Steelers* ought to do, and why they might, but probably won’t.
Outside Linebacker – Yeah, we need a guy, but this is a good draft for that sort of thing. Lots of prognosticators have suggested that we’ll pick up Lawrence Timmons at #15, and that won’t be horrible. I hear he’s potty-trained. Thing is, he will not start this season. This will be James Harrison’s first year starting, but he’s already got a reputation as a beast. They call him “Silverback” for a reason.
Defensive End – We’re already spending a bit too much money at this position. Aaron Smith got a shiny new contract, and while he’s worth every penny, it’s not obvious that another defensive end will be an upgrade unless it’s Adam Carriker. Problem is that we’re not gonna get that kid unless we manage to spike the drinks of both the 49ers and the Rams. I hear that melon liqueur is popular in San Francisco.
Cornerback – Yes, please. We need, and this is an awesome draft for cornerbacks. We might end up drafting two. Now, Darrelle Revis or Leon Hall would be great picks, but with the depth, do you get them now or go with a more immediate need? That was a stupid question. You get Revis, and (included absolutely free) you get a good punt returner, one that doesn’t shoot people or twist his ankle every other practice.
I’m not going to go over all the other positions. Seriously, don’t tempt me, I could go on for hours about how a good defensive tackle that plays end would work as we transition to a 4-3 defense, why Verron and Najeh aren’t as fat as I’d like, and what made Holmes a mistake last season. Hey, guess what? It’s not important, because I’m not drafting. And besides, I’ve just been lying to you for the entire post.
The Steelers should, without a doubt, trade down a few picks to get another second- or third-rounder, and use their 1st round choice on Anthony Spencer. I’m not just saying this because Spencer is from Purdue.
Dammit. I did it again.
* your favorite team sucks.
