Looking Ahead
If the season ended today, the Steelers would have the 7th pick in the draft, a higher position even than the slot from which they selected Plaxico Burress in 2000 (#8). The question is: what would they do with the pick? Trading down seems like a distinct possibility; last year's maneuverings were further proof of the Steelers' propensity to wheel and deal on draft day.
If not, though, my money is on a DE/OLB "hybrid" player, the likes of which the Steelers and their 3-4 have made so popular. They used to be able to get such players--Clark Haggans, Joey Porter, Jason Gildon--cheap, but the surging popularity of the 3-4 has put a premium on such players in recent drafts: DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman, and Kamerion Wimbley come to mind. Currently rated in the top ten in many preliminary draft boards are Clemson's Gaines Adams and Georgia's Quentin Moses, at least one of whom would likely be available at #7.
Why go in this direction? Because Joey Porter's contract is up in 2008. He'll be 31, and, after a monster end to the season in 2005, he has done little this year. The Steelers have a history of cutting players loose, particularly at this position, just before age takes its toll. Remember Jason Gildon? When the Steelers released him, he was their all-time sack leader; he signed with Jacksonville and had trouble getting on the field. He was last heard from in 2004.
If the Steelers take, say, Moses in the 2007 draft, he would have a year to learn behind Porter before sliding into his spot in '08. And then Porter would probably sign with the Patriots. And thus, the cycle of NFL life continues.
If not, though, my money is on a DE/OLB "hybrid" player, the likes of which the Steelers and their 3-4 have made so popular. They used to be able to get such players--Clark Haggans, Joey Porter, Jason Gildon--cheap, but the surging popularity of the 3-4 has put a premium on such players in recent drafts: DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman, and Kamerion Wimbley come to mind. Currently rated in the top ten in many preliminary draft boards are Clemson's Gaines Adams and Georgia's Quentin Moses, at least one of whom would likely be available at #7.
Why go in this direction? Because Joey Porter's contract is up in 2008. He'll be 31, and, after a monster end to the season in 2005, he has done little this year. The Steelers have a history of cutting players loose, particularly at this position, just before age takes its toll. Remember Jason Gildon? When the Steelers released him, he was their all-time sack leader; he signed with Jacksonville and had trouble getting on the field. He was last heard from in 2004.
If the Steelers take, say, Moses in the 2007 draft, he would have a year to learn behind Porter before sliding into his spot in '08. And then Porter would probably sign with the Patriots. And thus, the cycle of NFL life continues.
posted by Shane at 8:37 AM
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