(Sportsbooks) - After giving up a bloated 47 sacks last season, then losing top offensive lineman Alan Faneca (Jets) to free agency, it would be something of a shock if the Steelers choose anything but o-line help with their No. 23 pick. Local product and tackle Jeff Otah (Pitt), guard Branden Albert (Virginia), and tackle Gosder Cherilus (Boston College) have been among the frequently-mentioned names that might fall to the Steelers at No. 23. The rest of the draft could go in a number of different directions for Pittsburgh. Personnel to fit Mike Tomlin's preferred 4-3, Tampa-2 defensive scheme is among the possible priorities (though Tomlin insist he's not changing the scheme), as is receiving help (preferably tall receiving help, per Ben Roethlisberger's request) and a running back to serve as insurance following the broken leg suffered by Willie Parker last December. 2007 Record: 10-6 First Pick: No. 23 Number of Selections: 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2007 - Lawrence Timmons (LB, Florida State); 2006 - Santonio Holmes (WR, Ohio State); 2005 - Heath Miller (TE, Virginia); 2004 - Ben Roethlisberger (QB, Miami-Ohio); 2003 - Troy Polamalu (SS, USC); 2002 - Kendall Simmons (OG, Auburn); 2001 - Casey Hampton (DT, Texas); 2000 - Plaxico Burress (WR, Michigan State); 1999 - Troy Edwards (WR, Louisiana Tech); 1998 - Alan Faneca (OG, LSU); 1997 - Chad Scott (CB, Maryland); 1996 - Jamain Stephens (OT, North Carolina A&T); 1995 - Mark Bruener (TE, Washington); 1994 - Charles Johnson (WR, Colorado); 1993 - Deon Figures (CB, Colorado); 1992 - Leon Searcy (OT, Miami-Florida); 1991 - Huey Richardson (LB, Florida); 1990 - Eric Green (TE, Liberty). |
