Pittsburgh Steelers 2012 NFL Draft Preview

Preview provided by Craig Gottschalk. Head to Nice Pick, Cowher for more on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

What are the team needs for the Steelers heading into the draft?

Biggest needs for this team are really solidifying the offensive line and the linebacker position. The o-line was terrible last season, though they seemed to do just enough (but not really enough) to get the job done. Big Ben got beat up and was sacked a ton – not a good thing for your $100 million dollar investment. With the release of James Farrior, the Steelers need to begin getting a young gun to compliment Larry Foote, James Harrison and LaMarr Woodely. The Steelers will focus on these more than likely early in the draft. Defensive line is another big one with the uncertainty of Casey Hampton being fully recovered from his knee injury.

Who are some prospects you’d like to see end up with the Steelers?

ILB Dont’a Hightower, DT Dontari Poe and OG Kevin Zeitler.

What would represent a successful draft in your opinion?

Can never rate a draft class until year three. By then, I’m looking to see if a large percentage of that class is A) starting on the team and B) putting themselves into positions to be game changers. That’s not to say that guys who contribute every day and get their reps in on the field aren’t important and doing a good job. You want your young guys to be able to step up and into roles and make an impact. Also, if a 5th round or higher starts and is making a large impact on the team, that’s also a pretty damn successful pick.

Give us a bold prediction for your team.

Steelers trade pick #24 for multiples in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. It’s been tossed around a bit, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they make that kind of move. The guard positions are deep this year and the Steelers can ‘afford’ to wait until making picks in round 2.