Steelers Take Washington DT Alameda Ta'amu in the 4th Round

His name has been often mentioned on this web site, but the Steelers made it official. After trading up to the 109th overall pick, the Steelers drafted the possible replacement for Casey Hampton, Alameda Ta'amu, a fourth-year player from Washington.

Ta'amu is another team captain, joining David DeCastro and Sean Spence as other collegiate captains to join the Steelers.

At 6-foot-3, 348 pounds, he certainly has the size to play the 0-technique in the Steelers' 3-4 defense. Ta'amu is a very talented athlete, showing rare quickness for a man of his size. He is said to need to improve his lower body strength in order to lock down the middle of the defensive line, but at his age, and level of progress his athleticism suggests he can make, Ta'amu could end up being a valuable draft pick.

His selection also shows the Steelers have addressed three major positions of need in this draft - offensive guard, offensive tackle, inside linebacker and nose tackle. With several picks still remaining.

The Steelers gave Washington their 4th round pick and their 6th round pick in exchange for the Redskins' 4th, used on Ta'amu.