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2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft

Written April 17, 2009 by Black Widow

2009-steelers-mock-draft-041709 Remember when some experts picked the Cleveland Browns to win the AFC North? As it turned out, the Steelers weren’t ready to give up their reign. The Ravens re-emerged as a much bigger threat to Pittsburgh. Picking the Steelers to fall out of contention anytime soon is a dangerous game. Their defense is stout, they have a franchise quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger and a rising star in head coach Mike Tomlin. Here are the top five needs I feel the Steelers need to address:

1.) Offensive Tackle – OLT Marvel Smith finished the last two seasons on injured reserve, and the Steelers decided to part ways with him. Pittsburgh may also have to make a change at right tackle, as Willie Colon’s play the past two seasons has been uneven at best. They signed Colon to a one-year deal, so he may not be the long-term answer. Also, reserve tackle Max Starks was signed to only a one-year deal, so it’s clear the Steelers aren’t comfortable with what they’ve got. The offensive line is sometimes criticized even when Roethlisberger holds onto the ball too long, but there also have been plenty of instances where their QB hasn’t had a chance to make a play because a pass rusher has quickly beaten one of the tackles. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: OT Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma). Steelers Depot likes the Steelers to pick up Arizona tackle, Eben Britton with their first round selection.

2.) Offensive Guard – Some will say that Jets OLG Alan Faneca isn’t the player he once was, but it’s safe to say the Steelers missed him dearly last season after allowing him to depart in free agency. OLG Chris Kemoeatu didn’t make a strong case to keep his starting job long term. ORG Kendall Simmons struggled before a season-ending injury early in the season had him on the I.R. the rest of the way. Simmons has been cut in the offseason, and his replacement, Darnell Stapleton, didn’t fare much better. The Steelers didn’t open the holes they typically do in the running game and some of that falls on the guards. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: OG Duke Robinson (Oklahoma), C-OG Eric Wood (Louisville).

3.) Nose Tackle - Though starter Casey Hampton and reserve Chris Hoke have capably many this position for years, the Steelers are likely to start thinking about a plan of succession. Hoke’s presence cannot go overlooked as he takes a lot of snaps and is one of the most respected players on the team, but any injury to he or Hampton would put Pittsburgh in a world of hurt. Bolstering depth at this vital position is a must, especially if the Steelers continue to use a 30 front in the years to come. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: DT Ronald Brace (Boston College).

4.) Defensive End – One of the key reasons to the Steelers’ success over the years has been the play of DLE Aaron Smith and DRE Brett Keisel. But both are starting to get up in age and Pittsburgh needs to start grooming replacements to ensure this valuable position in their 3-4 scheme remains well-stocked for years to come. Finding defensive ends to play the 3-4 is one of the toughest tasks when looking at kids coming out of college. Just ask the Browns who have tried to find the right combination at this position over the years and have failed to do so. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: DE Robert Ayers (Tennessee), DE Terrance Knighton (Temple), DE Zach Potter (Nebraska).

5.) Wide Receiver - WR Nate Washington entered the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Clearly, he wants a starting job and starter’s money so he went to the Tennessee Titans to get it. Now, the Steelers must bolster their WR depth. Limas Sweed, a 2008 second-round pick, made plenty of mistakes as a rookie, and he’s yet to prove he’s capable of handling a bigger role. Pittsburgh should look to find a players who can stretch the field and return kicks. Pittsburgh lacked punch on punt and kickoff returns for much of the season, with Santonio Holmes’ punt-return score against San Diego in the divisional round a notable exception. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: WR Brooks Foster (North Carolina).

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