Time To Put Your Anthony Smith Hat On...

Well, since you guys seem quite keen on talking about the looming bane of my existence draft, and not real news like Tim Worley getting tasered, Haikus or Exotic Smashmouth, I once again cave under pressure.

Ok, let's talk about the draft.

So far this week I've read that:
(1) ~ The Steelers might trade down, but not up
(2) ~ The Steelers are leaning towards Kentwan Balmer, DT from UNC
(3) ~ The Steelers will take Kentwan Balmer, DT from UNC
(4) ~ Santonio Holmes will unleash his manhood upon the world...uh, wait, nevermind...and perhaps most insightfully...
(5) ~ Never trust what a GM or Coach says about the draft

Here's the deal as I see it:
(1) ~ The Steelers might trade down, but why? They don't necessarily need a first ballot hall of famer (couldn't hurt though). But they do need round 1 talent in plenty of areas. Yes, this is a deep draft. But unless there's a really enticing offer (read: trading the pick for Tom Brady's tears), they will probably stay put at 23.

(2) and (3) ~ Kentwan Balmer? Sure, why not. 6'4", 308 DT. With Big Snack and Chris Hoke still keeping it real, drafting a DT this season would allow us the luxury of grooming a prospect rather than rushing him along (not that we really do that frequently anyhow). I mean, hey, at 23, unless we're planning on drafting a RB or WR, they're probably not going to be a starter next year anyhow...

(4) ~ ............swordfight!

(5) ~ You know who else's word you can't trust? If you accept Blog 'n Gold's logic (as I do) - the main stream media. Oh they've got plenty of information alright. But they get it all from the axis of distrust - NFL GMs and Coaches (shhh, pretend scouts and college coaches don't exist). That, my friends, is poetic. Um, not really though.

Et tu, yinzers?

PS - much like we did for games during the season, OFTOT is going to host a Draft day discussion thread. Come join the fun, circa 3 PM Saturday afternoon. Laugh with us. Cry with us. Watch Eagles fans boo their pick with us. I'll bring the beer bong. It's gonna be sickening.

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers Consider Trading Team's 1st Round Draft Pick [Trib]
Reading the Tea Leaves [Joey Porter's Pit Bulls]
KDKA-TV's 2008 Mock Draft [KDKA]
Santonio Holmes is Naked [Pittsburgh Sports And Mini Ponies]
The (Kevin) Colbert Report [Blog 'n Gold]

The 2007 NFL Draft Ruined My Life...

For the record, I hate draft speculation. I like reading about it. But I hate doing it myself. Mainly because I rarely get a chance to do anything I'd qualify as "scouting" potential picks. Plus, in case you hadn't noticed I generally don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to everything else. Why would it be any different when it comes to the draft? So my opinion is largely based on what I hear from friends and what tidbits of information I pick up from The Pompadour ESPN draft "expert," Mel Kiper Jr.

Nevertheless, I recognize that it is a hot topic for us Steeler fans so I'm officially lifting the "draft talk" embargo here at OFTOT.

I figured the natural place to start is Branden Albert and Gosder Cherilus, since they're the guys who seem to keep popping up on the "experts" draft boards. I'm not really going to say a lot about each. Just enough to spark a conversation. So you guys are going to have to weigh in here...please...maybe...help a brotha out?

Anyways, keep in mind - I'm not kidding when I say I haven't spent much time "scouting." 'Cause, you know, I pretty much only have time to read about fun stuff like Subject Matter Jurisdiction or Collateral Estoppel. Basically if it's not written in a large, hardbound volume that rivals the Bible in girth, I haven't seen it.

Here goes...

Branden Albert ~ At 6'6", 309 lbs., he seems to fit the bill quite nicely. What's more, I dig his record on sacks allowed - only 6.5 in 773 snaps (last 25 games). With Alan Faneca gone, Chris Kemoeatu having played only a limited number of snaps and Kendall Simmons just kind of hanging around, we could certainly use the depth if nothing else. Although apparently, "he is a bit inconsistent when it comes to hitting the moving target as a second level run blocker..." Don't know about you but I'm less worried about his second level run blocking than I am about his first level protecting of the Steelers $102 million dollar investment. Nahmeen?

Gosder Cherilus ~ 2 out of 3 mock drafts surveyed said the Steelers pick will be Gosder ICantPronounceThisLastNameToSaveMyLife-us. I'm not terribly discouraged by that. I mean I'm not sold on Willie Colon playing out of position at RT any longer than he has to, and if Cherilus were good enough to come in and start, that'd free up a fourth Guard. He's basically the same size as Albert, but slightly slower. What's more, the "experts" do think he "can get to the second level." So we'd have that going for us.

This said, I actually have a feeling the Steelers are looking at either a Running Back or Wide Receiver in the first round. Call me crazy, but I don't think the fact that they brought in Jonathan Stewart, Chris Johnson, Malcolm Kelly and James Hardy last week was a coincidence.

Of course, they could always go Tight End. I mean, it's like Brady Quinn says - "there's no such thing as too many tight ends..."

What are your thoughts on these two? Who do you guys like?

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers #1 Concern Is Their Offensive Line [ESPN.com]
Mock Draft 4.0 [NFL.com]
2008 NFL Mock Draft [NFLDraftCountdown.com]

Something's AFoote On The South Side...

Or perhaps more appropriately - Something's AHaggans...get it...you know, like Larry Foote, but only Clark Haggans...alright, forget it.

Anyways, I just want to make one quick observation and then step aside and open things up to you guys...and that is -- What is Clark Haggans still doing in town?

I heard last week that Cleveland was trying to line up a visit. But besides that, I haven't heard shit about him or his status as an unrestricted free agent. Might the Steelers be talking to his representation about a compromised new contract? I don't see how we could, given our current cap sitch. But I'm still trying to get to the bottom of all this...I thought he'd have been long gone by now...

Oh, and the Steelers will allegedly be meeting with a backup safety/special teams ace "this week." So we've got that goin' for us too...I guess...

Now that we've exchanged pleasantries, what I really want to know is - draft. Who will the Steelers pick? What you got? Let's get the conversation started.

PS - See you in LA bitches! Tomorrow's the day.

UPDATE: Methinks this Keyaron Fox signing may speed up the process a bit...

Have A Little Faith in Me Kevin Colbert...

"We wanted to go into this draft and not be need-specific."
- Kevin Colbert

Look man, here's the deal. I understand the philosophy and mindset Kevin Colbert has going into this year's draft - we're picking at #23 and we have a lot of needs (need to get younger, need to add depth, etc. etc.). But honestly, I think the Steelers might just want to be at least a little bit need-specific when it comes to the 1st couple of rounds.

Simply put, I'd be really surprised if there was any Steeler fan out there on these internets who doesn't think we need help on the O-line.

Tagging Max Starks was a step. But that is a far cry from fixing the protection issues the Steelers had last season. And while I know things can change drastically from year to year, I can't help but think you need to address positions in order of importance to the team's success. O-line is of paramount importance. Hence, 1+1=3 2, right?

Sure you can get a good Offensive Lineman in the later rounds, but are we willing to take that chance? Of course, this assumes that any lineman taken in the 1st couple of rounds would be a sure thing...and in football, as in life, there ain't no such phenomenon.

But, what do you all think? Is picking the "best available" player the Steelers best strategy? Would you be opposed to drafting some cheerleaders (for christ's sake)? Let the discussion begin...

PS - Despite what I say here, In Kevin Colbert I [and we all should] Trust...

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers Alter Their Draft Strategy [Post-Gazette]
Colbert: Easy Call on Starks [Tribune-Review]
Faneca Gone, Starks Deal Likely...[SteelCityInsider]
A Long Talk with Steelers Official [ESPN]

Mike Tomlin Likes 'Em Young...

"If I could identify anything at this point, I would say we need young, big people."
- Mike Tomlin

I refuse to talk about the Super Bowl today. Or New England. Or Eli Manning (though tempting).

Instead, I thought I'd get back to what I do best relatively well...err, at least ok - which is, prognosticate and sling bull about our Steelers. Specifically, I'm going to focus on the recent comment made by Zen Master Mike Tomlin you read above.

To begin, for your own edification:
Average Age of Offensive Line in 2007 = 28
Average Age of Defensive Line in 2007 = 30

Not that any of you were ignorant to this fact...but hey, I figure at least some of you probably don't have hours and hours to sit around and average out the age of the 2007 Steelers starting O and D-Lines. Frankly, neither do I, but somehow I managed.

Anyhow, assuming the only change on the Offensive Line is the insertion of Chris Kemoeatu at LG, that average age decreases by only one measly year, to 27 [PS - I'm not saying that's the ideal sitch, I'm just assuming the worst]. And as we well know, the Defensive Line ain't changing (at least it better not). Hence, easy math there.

It's pretty clear. The Steelers are currently an aging football team. Not old, but aging. We are still largely a product of the Bill Cowher era, and Mike Tomlin has made it one of his priorities to get great young talent along both lines in 2008. To that I say - AMEN. But assertions do not amount to guarantees. There's a number of considerations and other parties who weigh in on this sort of thing. And so just because Iron Mike wants to get younger, it will not necessarily be done.

Nonetheless, this may be a product of him wanting to assemble sort of his own regime. Perhaps it is as it should be - building the type of team THIS coach would like to work with. Or perhaps he just knows its good football. Either way, Tomlin's right. By far the oldest players on this team are the interior O-lineman and our three D-line monsters (who I love regardless of age).

And if talk in the front office is anything like the talk going on in the rest of Steeler nation - we should be looking at these positions in both the draft and to a much much lesser extent - free agency (notice use of the word should).

Although I admit, I'm still not quite ready to pour over draft prospects yet. I have heard a few names floating around that I can pick out for you. Steeler FANS (note: not necessarily Steelers executives...) have been talking a little Jeff Otah (strike that - a lot), Sam Baker, Sedrick Ellis, Gosder Cherilus, and I think even Quentin Groves. All great O-line and D-line prospects. I personally would be fine with any of these men as 1st rounders.

As for free agents - you'll remember the Steelers recently signed former IUP O-lineman Jason Capizzi along with DT Scott Paxson, and O-linemen - Matt Lentz, and Jeremy Parquet (promoted from practice squad). And while most of these were likely precautionary or just forward thinking (to training camp), you never know who can turn out to be a gem...a notion that Steeler fans are well acquainted with.

So at this point, as usual, I turn to you my friends. Who have you been eyeing in the way of young talent? Any free agents that strike you as valuable? Anyone NOT think we need to start amassing youthful depth at certain aforementioned positions? Any other positions you think we need to infuse with a little "upside"? Did any of what I just wrote make sense? (With regard to that last question, I'm still not sure myself...)

PS - Jeff Feagles is the great equalizer...(yes, completely unrelated - deal with it - my blog, my rules)...

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers' Tomlin Appeals for Youth [Tribune-Review]
Steelers Draft History (up to 2006) [Database Football]
ESPN 2008 Draft Central [ESPN]

Commence Draft Speculation...

"To say you need that position and that it is a glaring need, I don't think it's really fair to that group of guys. That being said, sure you want to add depth -- you realize you can lose two unrestricted free agents, and if you do, maybe that changes your focus as you move forward."
- Kevin Colbert

I guess since the season is over, and the "who's ass is on the line" discussion should be as well, all we've got left now is draft speculation, right? Enter Kevin Colbert, Steelers draft guru and resident Brian Billick look alike (seriously though he really does kind of look like him).

Most recently Colbert somewhat controversially said that the Steelers could be eyeing a Running Back in the 1st round of the upcoming draft. At least it might have been controversial if anyone was paying attention to the Steelers right now besides me and presumably you all. But I guess having heard this, the first question is - would that be a wise use of a marquee pick?

My answer is - probably not.

Personally, I love Willie Parker. However, even I can acknowledge that we just can't give him as many carries as we did this past season and expect him to stay healthy. Frankly, even if he was a more beefy back, there are few runners in this league that can sustain that kind of wear and tear and stay strong through an entire 17 week regular season, not to mention playoffs. It certainly couldn't hurt to draft a back to spell Willie once in a while.

But in the 1st round? I have to say no way. Our biggest need right now is on the Offensive line. Even if Faneca doesn't leave, we are still in desperate need of a capable Center. And I'm not all that confident the Steelers will re-sign Max Starks either, in which case we could use a good Left Tackle. So while I understand the philosophy, I would have to respectfully disagree with Colbert there (should he make that kind of decision).

As far as I can tell, our priorities should lie thusly:

1. O Line ~ you can disregard some of the sacks Ben took this year as being the result of either him holding the ball too long or receivers not getting open, but it's pretty clear that our #1 priority ought to be protecting our Pro Bowl QB. Not to mention blocking for our Pro Bowl running back. That's just how I see it.

2. Wide Receiver ~ Ben recently insinuated that it's tough for him to throw to a lot of the Steelers current receivers since he's, well, 6'5," and most of them are well, less than 6'5". Plus, Cedrick Wilson was pretty worthless this season anyhow. So hopefully we can drop that dead weight and get a guy in the 2nd or 3rd round that's over 6'1". Why not?

3. Kick Returner ~ actually, this could even be combined with #2. Nonetheless, you've seen what guys like Devin Hester and Joshua Cribbs can do for a team. The role of the return man has taken on new meaning in this NFL era, and the Steelers would be apt not to let this pass them by. I can't even imagine how happy I would be to watch a Steeler run back one or more kicks/punts for a TD. Can you? (and no one even mention Rossum's run back this year...that ain't what I'm talking about)

4. Fullback ~ Dan Kreider's injury was no joke. At 30, he certainly isn't getting any younger, and the possibility exists that his best playing days have passed him by. Carey Davis is ok, but I was never really sold on him to begin with. I just think if you're not going to hand the ball to him or throw him a few screens, why waste a roster spot? The fullback is a blocking back in my mind. There is no substitute for a Dan Kreider type fullback. Hence, I strongly suggest the Steelers try and grab Owen Schmitt. Objections?

5. Defensive End ~ let's just say hypothetically that Aaron Smith isn't the same man he once was. We all bore witness to what Nick Eason/Travis Kirschke could do near the end of this season. And while it wasn't awful, clearly neither are the answer at DE. My assessment of this sitch is that with Keisel's speed and power on the one side and Casey Hampton/Chris Hoke tieing up multiple guys in the middle, we should be looking to get another pass rushing DE. Just a feeling. Thumbs up or thumbs down?

6. Free Safety ~ obviously Ryan Clark has some durability issues. Tyrone Carter ain't a long term solution, and Anthony Smith...well, he really let a lot of us down this year (not to say he can't come roaring back next year). So I just think it would be great to add some depth here and get another strong guy back there to help out our Corners. Troy is so all over the place that we need a Safety who isn't going to get tricked easily. A Safety that is ready to make a play in coverage at any time. And it wouldn't hurt if he hit people, hard. Suggestions?

And there you have it, the quick and dirty OFTOT "unofficial 2008 draft needs." However, this all being said - I admittedly have not spent nearly enough time scouting prospects to be able to rank our needs versus this years draft pool (minus the RB spot as mentioned).

So I make you all a solemn promise that over the next couple months I will do my best to read/watch as much as I can and report back to you all that I glean. Too bad I don't have NFL Network...that really sucks. Guess I'll have to rely on Domski to step up and scout the NFL Network. Then again, I'm still not sure he knows how to navigate the internets, so that may be of no use whatsoever. Everyone keep your fingers crossed and someone teach him how to use a keyboard...

Your turn dudes and dudettes (do any women even read this blog? BnG Girl?) - Who/What are your draft wants/needs for the team in April? Any gems you think no one has thought to mention yet? You think the Steelers would consider drafting a 26 year old, 6'2" 180 lb. nerd who writes a Steeler blog?

PS - Happy freakin' Friday! Hope you all are as excited as I am about the weekend. Go Chargers/Packers!

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers Eye Several Positions for 1st Round [Post-Gazette]
Steelers Must Address O-Line Draft [Tribune-Review]
Steelers to Eye RB in Draft? [Behind The Steel Curtain]
Mock No. 1... [Nonstop Steelers]