2 round mock has us taking a CB in the first

[Steelerdipwad]

I could live with that as long as the next 2 picks are o-line.

http://draftboardinsider.com/?cat=3

[Finnegans Wake]

I gotta re-up my NFL Draft Scout subscription (still think they're the best draft site), but IIRC Unger is scratching around that R1/R2 cusp, based on his ability to play all along the line, and the Wake corner is early to late R2. 

[vinman3]

If we address our glaring OL problems in FA, then ok. But neglecting that another year is a problem IMO.

[Preacherman0]

If we address our glaring OL problems in FA, then ok. But neglecting that another year is a problem IMO.

You could have the understatement of the year right there, vinman.

I do not see us waiting unless there is just absolutely no value at OL, and I'll refer to the decision not to draft Sam Baker last year.  I know that the talk was that he was a reach where we drafted; however, the way he played in ATL, I think we should have made that reach.

[Finnegans Wake]

OK, NFLDS has Smith rated as 26th best overall.  So, in terms of value, fine and all.  But in terms of need, we can really solidify this group by re-signing B-Mac, developing Gay, etc. 

Unger is listed as 41st overall, so probably not going to be there R2.  If he was a pure center, I might say we'd say a possible "center drop," which we see every year concurrent with CBs rising on the heels of 40 times, but he is versatile enough to play all along the line.  Could be a late R1 guy, even.

Just going by 1.32 and 2.64 as our slots, then trawling +/-5 spots, returns some interesting candidates:

27. Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU.  Could be a great talent at end in the 3-4, with Smith and Keisel getting up there and no depth to speak of.

28. Eben Britton, OT, AZ.  Might be better suited to a ZBS, and needs to bulk a bit, but could certainly be a LT of the future, and a RT of the present.

30. William Beatty, OT, Conn.  Rising fast.  Great feet, nice height, but is a bit skinny for 2009. 

33. Alex Mack, C, Cal.  Squatty and powerful, best in a good crop of Cs, really getting talked up as the best center in a long time.  Hartwig has done well, but he's not the long term answer.

61. Phil Loadholt, RT, OK.  Actually thought he moved pretty well in the Champeenship game, but will be a RT in the pros.  Would be a HUGE upgrade to Colon.  Imagine the power running game going to the right with Colon/Staples at RG and The Load at RT.

63. William Moore, FS, Miss.  NFLDS compares him to Adrian Wilson; sold.

65. Jonathan Luigs, C, Ark.  Another in a great class of centers.

67. Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisc.  Just a massive dude, 6'6" 323#, can play OG and RT.  I like that.

[aj_law]

R1 = OL or DL.

EOS.

[Finnegans Wake]

R1 = OL or DL.

EOS.

I agree.  If they do go plum wacky and draft a DB, they need to have R3-5 featuring some killer sleeper rook, but hey, you're preaching to the choir.

Hell, even Tomlin wasn't praising the "new and improved OL" to the media in Tampa.  Dat tells me sumpin.

[Preacherman0]

If we draft a center, is Hartwig good enough to take a guard spot?  Can't be much worse than Simmons for sure.

Center is not our greatest need, but it would be nice to have someone in the Mansfield/Webster/Dawson/Hartings heritage to take the spot for the future. 

[Brinker]

Brinker---pees into Dipwads Cheerios



I just hope that we can hear the folllowing

"With the 32nd pick in the 2009 NFL draft The Pittsburgh Steelers select..."


 

Brinker

[Steelerdipwad]

Brinker---pees into Dipwads Cheerios
Brinker

Ewwww

Agree that it really don't matter as long as we're pickin' 32nd.