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Draft/Trades, a Balanced Offense, save Ben! Pt. III

As is with most Steeler fans, I ended up coming back to defense, defense, defense. Many of my thoughts/concerns I had with depth at some positions we taken care of with some FA signing. Thus, I have found myself thinking more of our defense, knowing our offense is in the capable hands of Big Ben (and I really like the Haley hire). I would bring in a few OL in the draft, and upgrade at LG and an OT to groom. So, here is the evalution of my thought process and my mock drafts as the months have gone bye.

Save Ben, PT. 1

Save Ben, PT. II

For my first two posts, I had figured the Steelers on a few things:

The Steelers would not franchise tag Mike Wallace, nor would they sign him to a long term deal. I also believed he would not be a Steeler this year, figuring someone in the later rounds would give up a 1st round pick for a proven WR. Since this has not happened yet, I will go with the assumption he will be a Steeler next year.

They would look to draft a TE and/or FB for reasons of possible suspensions/ their own RFA/ added QB protection.

They would resign Cotchery, Legursky and Foster.

Going forward from here, I believe a few more things:

Mike Wallace will not be back following this season. He will eventually sign his tender, and Pittsburgh will get a 3rd round compensatory pick for Wallace next year when he signs elsewhere as a FA. I doubt his demands will come down (Larry Fitzgerald money), and the Steelers have to consider both Brown and Sanders will be RFA next season.

I believe, in the not so distant future, the Steelers will use many more 4 man fronts, if not return to the 43 defense. Offenses are being given so much, in terms of rules changes and where and when you can hit them, it will force defenses to try to apply pressure with the front 4 while dropping back 7 into coverage. Think Giants against Pats in each of the two Super Bowls they played in.

Finally, while I would try everything possible to get up to obtain David DeCastro, I just don’t see it happening, and he will not slide back far enough for us to get him without giving up the farm. If those scenarios hold true, I would trade back with someone in the top 1/3 of the 2nd round (Miami?). They also have two 3rd rounds picks, we switch 5th rounders and acquire their 7th.

Miami Dolphins picks at 2/40 (500), 3/73 (225), 5/145 (33.5), 7/215 (5.4)= (763.9)
Steelers at 1/24 (740), 5/159 (27.8)= (767.8)


These would be my picks with the above trade:


  • 2 (40) Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin
  • 2 (56) Kelechi Osemele OT Iowa State
  • 3 (73) Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington
  • 3 (86) Josh Chapman DT Alabama
  • 4 (119) Cyrus Gray RB Texas
  • 5 (145) Chris Greenwood CB Albion
  • 6 (193) Justin Bethel FS Presbyterian
  • 7 (215) Drew Butler P Georgia
  • 7 (231) Markus Kuhn DT NC ST
  • 7 (240) Donte Moss DE UNC
  • 7 (246) Blair Walsh K Georgia
  • 7 (248) Adrian Robinson OLB/DE Temple
Without a trade:

  • 1 (24) Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin
  • 2 (56) Kelechi Osemele OT Iowa State
  • 3 (86) Josh Chapman DT Alabama
  • 4 (119) Cyrus Gray RB Texas
  • 5 (159) Chris Greenwood CB Albion
  • 6 (193) Justin Bethel FS Presbyterian
  • 7 (231) Markus Kuhn DT NC ST
  • 7 (240) Donte Moss DE UNC
  • 7 (246) Blair Walsh K Georgia
  • 7 (248) Adrian Robinson OLB/DE Temple

If not DeCastro, I want Zeitler, he can start at LG and fill in for Pouncey should he go down with another injury.

Osemele is a big, nasty boy who we can have in case Colon gets hurt again.


Like I said, I think the Steelers will use more 4 man fronts with offense using the pass more often and neglecting the run. You put 4 big boys in there to go after the QB. Have Ta’amu and Chapman in the middle (Kuhn to add to the rotation), they both would command a double team in a 34 defense, allow Keisel, Hood and Haywoood to come from the outside (McLendon and Woods for depth), Timmons at MLB….

Cyrus Gray, 3rd down back, character guy, team player.

Have been high on Chris Greenwood’s potential for a long time. Was hoping he could be drafted later, but it looks like his stock is elevating.

Did some research on Bethel after I heard some talk of him and Greenwood both coming from smaller schools. Have liked everything I have heard.

Butler and Walsh, both from UGA, competition, not real comfortable with either of our kickers in big games. Can’t wait until next year, Quinn Sharp from OK St.

Donte Moss is coming off an ACL surgery in January and probably won’t be available in 2012. Kid would have been a 1st rounder if he did not get into some trouble a few years back, did not get injured and had gone back for his senior year. All the tools are there.

Robinson, I’m already a fan of his. Good motor, team player, great work ethic, workout warrior and a high character guy.

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