With the 168th Pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers Select Joe Burnett, CB, University of Central Florida

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Apr 26, 2009 3:50 PM EDT

The Steelers had back to back picks at the end of round five, and have used the first of the two to add depth to a young and talented group of defensive backs. Joe Burnett, a 5'9, 190lbs cornerback from the University of Central Florida was selected with the 168th pick in the 2009 NFL draft. I personally don't know that much about Burnett, but he had a very productive collegiant career and will look to compete for a role more than likely as a nickle and dime corner in the first year. According to NFL.com:

The four-year starter was named first-team All-Conference USA at cornerback and kickoff and punt returner as a senior. A bit smaller and slower than most teams would like in a starter, Burnett is a strong, confident Tampa-2 corner in the making.

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very noticeable

all these guys we are getting are high character, leader type players.

by schnifin on Apr 26, 2009 3:57 PM EDT reply actions

Reason for concern

It looks like Tomlin might be preparing for the departure of LeBeau and the switch to a 4-3. Ziggy might be better in a 4-3 than a 3-4 and this guy is supposedly a Tampa 2 type corner. I hope I’m wrong.

by CarlWeathersMustache on Apr 26, 2009 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

Don't Worry

LeBeau is not going anywhere. He will probably instill the Tampa 2 defense in the playbook

The Patriots use a hybrid 3-4 and 4-3 defense, so it is not uncommon to have more than one type of Defensive Scheme

by Steeler Y360 Nation on Apr 26, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Going along so well..

Then the F.O. stops to lay a couple of turds.

by robert ethan on Apr 26, 2009 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

oh boy . .

And I shall continue my prayers we will draft a tackle to sub Colon .. i feel miserable n lonely!

by setherian on Apr 26, 2009 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

never knew him till now, but he looks good

When we hit you, you don't get up. When you hit us, we get up laughing.

by air holmes on Apr 26, 2009 4:29 PM EDT reply actions

Burnett was all everything at UCF

I live in Orlando and listen to sports radio all the time. As there was not much to talk about with the UCF college football program this kid was definitly their best player. He was a leader on and off the field. He was most notably their best speacial teamer and one of the best in all of NCAA. He was their best defensive player at well. Teams did not throw his way as much you will see anything crazy in the pass department. ESPN Radio’s Jerry O’Niel has covered the UCF Knights for several years and he always raved about this kid.

by TheCommish on Apr 26, 2009 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

thanks commish, always great to get some inside knowledge

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Apr 26, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Excellent pick

Steeler fan my whole life and UCF fan for the last 5-6 years and its nice to see the Steelers not pass on quality UCF players anymore.
Very elusive returner and very patient. Going to be a nice addition there alone. His INT of Colt McCoy last year where he out jumped I think Limas Sweed and pulled it in was one of the best football plays I’ve ever seen in person.

by chanman on Apr 26, 2009 5:47 PM EDT reply actions

Nice Comments on Burnett

We could have used him on Special Teams for kickoffs returns and on defense against kickoff returns. Did he get any Special Teams play this year? We never get to hear who is on the Special Teams. Maybe they should “say” who is on the Special Teams (give them some recognition). I am sure that they keep stats on how many tackles that are made by individuals. It was VERY crucial for us in several losses this year. I know that it varies from week to week (who will be on the coverage) for some players . I will be keeping tabs on him and how well he does in camp.

by Allen F on Feb 4, 2010 12:50 AM EST reply actions