Yawn of a Draft Builds Depth

Well, there were no RBs or CBs picked, which was a bit of a surprise. I think Timmons and Woodley were solid picks that should both start contributing in some fashion this season. A TE pick in the 3rd was a strange pick with Tuman and Miller already there. However, at 6-7, Spaeth could be a very interesting target for Big Ben. A pre-existing injury may have had him ranked so low, but the Steelers must see something special in him.

Best of the day 2 picks may actual be Daniel Sepulveda the P from Baylor. Steelers offered Andy Lee some big RFA money to come over from SF. Sepulveda is a much more cost-effective option. Also, the move will pare Gardocki's million or so off the cap. Other values in day two look to be Ryan McBean and Cameron Stephenson. Both guys have a lot of potential.

As resident of NH, I'm anxiously hoping the Steelers sign UNH WR David Ball as a free agent. I've seen this guy play live and he's got some talent. Got knocked for his speed, but he ran hurt in all of his time trials. He runs great routes, actually has decent speed, and out jumps everybody. This guy broke records set by Jerry Rice.

As for Faneca, there must have been some conversations that gave the Steelers an idea of his free agent plans. I thought for sure he was going to get traded for picks. We'll wait a few weeks to see what happens in mini-camp.

Steelers, good job as usually. 1st draft under Tomlin is now behind us.

Time to Trade Faneca

It's hard to say good-bye to a pro-bowler and warrior, but Alan Faneca is giving the Steelers a perfect opportunity to do so. With some tough decision looming before the start of the 2008 season, Faneca's contract situation right now should allow the Steelers to trade him for picks and reduce the cap. His loss may be hard to overcome, but there are some pretty good young OL talent on this team. If I were Ben, I'd rather have a hungry young OL blocking for me than a potential disgruntled holdout who's likely to bolt at the end of the season.

There's a lot of round 2-4 talent in this draft. If the Steelers can grab a 2nd and 4th rounder for Faneca, they shouldn't even blink on the trade. Get something for him now, or watch him walk to Arizona next year.

Draft Day Is Coming...

Less than a week to draft day. What are the Steelers going to do? For what the Steelers need, the first round positional talent is rather week. Unfortunately, there are limited options when it comes to impact LBs and offensive linemen at the 15th pick. I think we'd have a better shot addressing these positions in rounds 2-4. Many of the draft experts have pegged Leon Hall as the pick. The last image I had of him was watching the USC receivers continually toast him in the Rose Bowl. Don't like the idea of picking him one bit. Now, I wouldn't be all that opposed if we took hometowner, Darrelle Revis. He at least brings the added dimension of a return specialist.

While the Steelers don't have a lot of holes, can we agree that LB, OL, RB, and WR are the positions we should look to strengthen? Would love to see Michael Bush fall to the Steelers in a mid-round pick. Could really help us out in short yardage situations. Willie Parker is going to continue to be a very good back, but we could use a guy that can get the tough one to two yards.

Let's get some discussion going...who would you have the Steelers take in round 1?