Pittsburgh Steelers Off Season To Do List: Youth and Speed Infusion needed on Defense
By Editorial Staff
Pittsburgh Steelers off Season Check List
2011 Outcome (12-4)
The Steelers continued their string of success with a 12-4 season. They were bound for another Super Bowl run until they got dismantled by Tim Tebow and the Broncos. Steelers offense appears to be solid for years to come but their #1 rated defense needs a youth and speed infusion. NT Casey Hamilton, ILB Farrior and Foote, and most of the secondary are aging. This draft will need to address this problem.
Coach Seat Temperature
MikeTomlin has done a remarkable job replacing Cowher and for the first time in a while needs to replace a coordinator. Bruce Arrians was let go and will probably be promoted by someone in the organization. DC Dick LeBeau will stay as long as he wants to.
2011 Draft Class Rating (C)
A boring draft that is filled with solid choices but no stars in this group. Cameron Heyward is a solid 3-4 DL who should in time start and do a fine job. Marcus Gilbert should improve in year 2 and be a solid RT. Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen need to make more of an impact in the secondary. Chris Carter has some skill but is 1-2 more years before he will make an impact.
2010 Draft Class Rating (A-)
Maurkice Pouncey is a stud and is a Pro Bowl talent already. Jason Worilds has been a special team star and a rising talent at OLB. Many feel he might replaceHarrisonin the future. Emmanuel Sanders and Jonathon Dwyer provide depth at RB and WR. Steelers hit a homerun in Antonio Brown who is excelling as a return man and starting WR. Rest of this class provides solid ST play.
2009 Draft Class Rating (C+)
Ziggy Hood is a solid starter but far from elite. He has a good motor and has replaced Aaron Smith. MikeWallace is a Pro Bowl WR who was found in the 3rd Round. The rest of this class was filled with misses and can anyone tell me why Kraig Urbik was cut and has starter forBuffalo since?
Current Needs
Offense: RB, TE, OT, OG
Defense: NT, ILB, OLB, CB, FS
Current FA
None Worth Mentioning
Current Mock
1. Dontari Poe NT Memphis
2. Colby Fleener TE Stanford
3. LaMichaelJames RB Oregon
4. Tank Carder ILB TCU