I've read the tea leaves and I hear Colbert loud and clear. He says the draft is deep, especially at several defensive positions. The Steelers, needing youth all over the D, are going to trade down.
The #18 pick is also a beautiful spot to trade down from. Jimmy Clausen may slip to the second half of the first round, and, if he does, the Steelers will have a very valuable pick to offer. I think Arizona or Minnesota will come callin' for it.
I project the Steelers trade the 1.18 and 6.19 to Minnesota for their 1.30, 2.30, and a pick next year.
1.30 - CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/12733462.20 - LB Daryl Washington, TCU
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/11259852.30 - DE Tyson Alualu, Cal
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/5595183.18 - OT John Jerry, Mississippi
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/12450194.18 - NT Geno Atkins, Georgia
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/11148135.20 - RB Anthony Dixon, Miss. St
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/11164645.24 - OT Sam Young, Notre Dame
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/12461145.33 - WR Riley Cooper, Florida
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/11145905.35 - SS Jeremy Miles, Mass
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/12586327.35 - OLB Larry Hart, Central Arkansas
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1637892With this draft, the Steelers address their depth at every level of the defense, acquiring a few guys who may not start immediately but are coachable, experienced, and athletic enough to project as having solid potential to become solid starters, if not Pro Bowlers.
I think Dixon would be a steal in the 5th round, and could contribute almost immediately as a second RB, and both tackles Jerry and Young add depth where it's sorely needed.
