Steelers 2009 Draft Weekend

[SD2042]

This is the Steelers 2009 Draft Weekend. All things related to the Steelers during the drafft will be place in this thread.

TEAM NEEDS: Defensive line, offensive line, cornerback, wide receiver, linebacker.

LDE- With Orpheus Roye in FA, Aaron Smith and Travis Kirschke being 33 and above. Now would be a good time for the Steelers to look to the draft to find a fresh player who can play the role and eventually succeed to being a DE starter forthe Steelers later on.



NT Is a possibility?. Although the Steelers O-line is suspect at times. It's nothing wrong to draft a NT considering the Steelers will need to upgrade within the next couple of yrs.



RCB Townsend definately represented himself well this past season at the vet age of 33. He can play wit hthe best of them on the defensive side of the football. Fernando Bryant is also another vet CB who's been in the game and played solid defense for the teams he played for throughout his career. Both guys are getting older and the Steelers could look into the draft to find a RCB who best fit the Steelers defensive schemes.



WR Although their WR core is pretty solid with Ward and Holmes and co.. The Steelers can't go wrong with adding another WR to the Steelers offense. They lost late season addition Nate Washington to the Titans recently. So the more WR options the Steelers have, the better the offense is spread out to keep the defense friendly.



Good luck to the Steelers this weekend and that they have a successful draft.

[SD2042]

Pick Player Pos Ht Wt College
Round 1, Pick 32 (32)
Round 2, Pick 32 (64)
Round 3, Pick 32 (96)
Round 4, Pick 32 (132)
Round 5, Pick 32 (168)
Round 5, Pick 33 (169) (Compensatory selection)
Round 6, Pick 32 (205)
Round 7, Pick 17 (226) (From Buccaneers)
Round 7, Pick 32 (241)

[SD2042]

The Steelers select Evander Hood out of Mizzou at #32.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/ ... d?id=79575

[el loco]

Our First Round Pick: Evander "Ziggy" Hood

http://multimedia.foxsports.com/m/video ... r-hood.htm

http://www.patriots.com/mediacenter/ind ... 60&pcid=83

He can get after the quarterback, but his run defense is suspect is what was said on the nfl network when we made the pick, which is fine with me because in our defense we swarm to the ball against the run.



At the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine, Ziggy was a standout, not only was he one of the strongest defensive tackles completing an impressive 34 reps on the bench with 225 pounds, but out of all the defensive linemen that weighed in at least 300 pounds, Ziggy was the fastest, running a 4.89 forty.

In Tomlin I Trust!!!

[el loco]

We traded our 2nd pick 64 to the Broncos for picks 79 and 84. I like the trade, we gave up one to get two and we only moved down 20 spots for both pics.

Value wise, the broncos got a slight edge in the trade.

64th pick = 270 points
79th pick = 195 points
84th pick = 170 pick

79 +84 = 265, about as close as you can get value for value according to the draft value chart.

Edit: I just learned that we also gave up our 4th in the trade, which makes the draft value of the trade a +49 rounded to 50, which equates to giving away a 4th round pick with nothing coming back in return. Not a great deal for the Steelers imo. I am sure it was done for financial reasons.

If anyone is interested in the chart on nfl draft day trades, here is a link to it:

http://www.sportznutz.com/nfl/draft/dra ... _chart.htm

[el loco]

Our draft board looks like this now: Feel free to copy and paste it into your original post, and I will edit this post later.

1 32 (32) E. Hood DT Missouri
3 15 (79)
3 20 (84)
3 32 (96)
5 32 (168)
5 33 (169)
6 32 (205)
7 17 (226)
7 32 (241)

[SD2042]

Keep it as is. I'm simply updating as we go. When the end of the draft comes. Then I'll put everything in place.

BTW, thx for the trade update loco. I wonder who will the Steelers will go after with their newly acquire picks.

[el loco]

Pick 79 Kraig Urbik, Guard, Wisconsin 6'5" 330 lbs


Video Clip:
http://www.patriots.com/mediacenter/ind ... 23&pcid=83

Kraig Urbik will be a nice addition to any NFL team. Urbik is the type of hard working, blue collar lineman that makes NFL running games look good. He is a relentless run blocker who plays with a real mean streak. Urbik has played 36 games at guard during his time with the Badgers and played 16 games at right tackle. He lacks the speed to play tackle in the NFL, but his experience against edge rushers will help him with the quicker defensive tackles he'll see in the pros. Urbik has excellent upper body strength and eats bull rushers alive when pass blocking. Urbik is a smart player who can adapt to fit the system he's asked to play in. He is always aware in pass protection and does a nice job of coming off his block to pick up other defenders. Urbik is slower than most teams prefer at guard, but makes up for it with intelligent play and hard work. He is likely to be a third round pick and the fourth guard taken overall.
Kraig Urbik had a solid NFL Combine in February. He ran a 5.35 second 40 yard dash, which is a solid time for a player his size. He also showed good technique during position drills. Urbik is still a candidate to be selected in the third round.

[SD2042]

CB Keenan Lewis selected at #96 from Oregon State
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/ ... s?id=80658

CB Joe Burnett selected at #168 from Central Florida
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/ ... t?id=79547

RB Frank Summers selected at #169 from UNLV
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/ ... t?id=79547

[el loco]

Pick 84: Mike Wallace, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss 6'1" 195lbs. 4.33 Forty


Video Clip:
http://www.truveo.com/Mike-Wallace-WR/i ... 0347844405

Burst onto the scene as a potential NFL draft pick with a huge second half last season. Is an explosive deep-play threat with the speed to consistently make plays vertically. Possesses adequate size for the position and displays good short-area quickness and wiggle after the catch. Has a lot of upside and has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential.
The Bad: Still developing as a route runner and lacks the footwork and balance to cleanly get in and out of routes. Is more of a one trick pony at this stage and lacks the strength to hold up on the outside as a blocker.

[SD2042]

^^ I forgot to post him up.

On these WRs' though. Why some of them aren't train enough when it comes to blocking out their defender? More likely he isn't seeing much of the field anymore than Sweed did this past season.

[el loco]

Pick 96: Keenan Lewis, Corner Back, Oregon State, 6' 190lbs


Video Clip:
http://www.truveo.com/Keenan-Lewis-CB/id/352722189

http://steelerstoday.com/?p=3577 Scouting report and video

Lewis has exceptional size for a cornerback, and I’m sure that is what attracted the Steelers to him. Lewis is a solid defender who benefits from having played in the pass-happy PAC-10.
Best in bump and run coverage, Lewis likes to get his hands on receivers and use his long arms to jam them.

He is good in run support, though he sometimes avoids contact. He tends to duck his head when tackling, so he misses some tackles that he should probably make. Nevertheless, he is a willing participant in run coverage, and can be coached in this area at the next level.
Because of his height and long arms, Lewis gets his hands on a lot of passes. He reads and reacts quickly.

[el loco]

^^ I forgot to post him up.

On these WRs' though. Why some of them aren't train enough when it comes to blocking out their defender? More likely he isn't seeing much of the field anymore than Sweed did this past season.

I didn't notice that you snuck in on me I was busy trying to find out as much as I could about the players we drafted that I didn't even notice until a few moments ago.

He is an excellent return man, he broke a 98 yard return and he has blazing speed. I don't like how loosely he carries the ball in his hand after the catch, he will get stripped in traffic if he doesn't protect it better, but I like the prospects of the pick and he does replace Nate Washington as a guy who can go for the bomb and get past the coverage.

[SD2042]

If he's that quick. Then he could be what Devin Hester is to Chicago for the Steelers.

[el loco]

On the NFL Network today, they interviewed Tomlin, he said that Urbik will have the opportunity to come into camp and challenge for a starting position. Ziggy will probably play behind the vets on the defensive line. He said that he didn't draft players based on projections, but drafted guys that are blue collar guys who will work to get better.

[el loco]

If he's that quick. Then he could be what Devin Hester is to Chicago for the Steelers.

He's that Quick 4.33 forty is flying. I'd say he will need some work to be mentioned in the same sentence as Hester, but the potential is definitely there.

[SD2042]

On the NFL Network today, they interviewed Tomlin, he said that Urbik will have the opportunity to come into camp and challenge for a starting position. Ziggy will probably play behind the vets on the defensive line. He said that he didn't draft players based on projections, but drafted guys that are blue collar guys who will work to get better.

That's good. That's really what defines the Steelers and their characteristics from team to the city itself. Gotta give it up for the blue collar worker.

32 (205) Steelers Harris, Ra'Shon DT 6'4" 298 Oregon
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/ ... s?id=79567

If this guy had a beard and chains on his neck. He could pass for Mr. T. lol

[el loco]

Pick 168: Joe Burnett, Corner Back, UCF 5'9" 190lbs 4.5 Forty

Senior cornerback/punt returner Joe Burnett has made many remarkable plays during his career with UCF. Burnett currently leads the Knights in career punt return yards with 926, including three touchdowns, and ranks second in interceptions with 12 for his career. This game-changing player has had his share of monumental moments with the Knights, including a punt return for a touchdown in the two Conference USA Championship games that UCF has participated in. Recently, Burnett spent some time with the UCF athletics communications staff to chat about his time with the Knights and his plans for the future.

Video Clip:
http://au.truveo.com/Joe-Burnett-Draft- ... 5907852464
Really good scouting clip on him.

With him and Mitchell we have to legit return men now. I am really liking this draft compared to last years.

[el loco]

Pick 169: Frank Summers, Running Back, UNLV 5'9" 245 lbs


Video Clip:
http://au.truveo.com/Frank-Summers-Draf ... 2083750764
good scouting clip on him

Frank The Tank He looks like a young bus, and seems to have his head on straight. It looks like we got ourselves a good short yardage guy.

Steelers select former UNLV RB Summers in 5th round of NFL Draft
By Ryan Greene · April 26, 2009 · 12:41 PM

Over the last 6 weeks, the Pittsburgh Steelers did very little to conceal the fact that former UNLV running back Frank Summers grabbed their attention.
On Sunday afternoon, the defending Super Bowl champs followed through.
With the fifth of the NFL Draft's seven rounds drawing to a close, the Steelers held back-to-back picks at Nos. 168 and 169. At 168, they took Central Florida cornerback Joe Burnett.
Then, the organization took less than 30 seconds to turn in its next selection, grabbing Summers, who rushed for 1,668 yards in two seasons as a Rebel on top of showing superb pass-catching ability out of the backfield.

That was one area which grabbed Pittsburgh's eye, specifically.
During UNLV's March Pro Day, the burly back put on an absolute show, recording a time of 4.55 in the 40-yard dash. He also showed a 34.5-inch vertical leap and put up 30 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds.

The Steelers sent two scouts and running backs coach Kirby Wilson to Rebel Park for the event, and then put him through several pass-catching drills in the middle of the workout.
The organization flew Summers out to Pittsburgh for a meet-and-greet two weeks ago.
Summers has a great chance to fit in in Pittsburgh right away.

Many analysts and experts liken what he can bring to that of former Steelers' great Jerome "The Bus" Bettis. He could get an opportunity to excel in short-yardage situations right away, as Pittsburgh recently released Gary Russell, who was their short-yardage specialist in 2008.

Overall, Summers was the tenth running back taken in this weekend's draft.
He is also the first UNLV running back to be selected in the NFL Draft since Ickey Woods was the 31st overall selection of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1988.

Link to Article, which has a good clear video clip of him:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/sports ... h-round-n/

[el loco]

Pick 205: Ra'Shon Harris, Defensive Tackle, Oregon 6'4" 298lbs 4.9 Forty


Pros: Long arms, strong against the double team. Gets a sustained push and can drive the pocket back with his strength and effort. Shows grasp of technique to shed olinemen for the tackle.

Cons:Late bloomer who only had one full season as a starter. Can be dominated by technically superior olinemen, and either stood up or driven out of the play. Only marginal getting off the snap.

He will be a project for us, but he should give "Ziggy" some competition.