2009 Steeler Draft Approaching
The 2009 NFL Draft is fast approaching and the Steelers have been hard at work in the war room. The draft team has been working very hard at choosing the right player for this year’s team. I’ve been thinking about the draft and the players we lost leading into this year and I’m not sure there is an immediate or emergency need.
Let’s look at who we have lost to other teams.
CB Bryant McFadden to Arizon
T Marvel Smith to San Francisco
WR Nate Washington to Tennesee
QB Byron Leftwich to Tampa Bay
I don’t really see anything that jumps out at me unless a couple of things happen. The first is QB Charlie Batch is still unsigned, so we don’t have a back up at this point. This could be an issue if Charlie isn’t re-signed and Charlie is getting up there in age. So, we will draft a QB but do we need one in the first round?
Nate Washington was a good WR when we needed a 3 WR set but I don’t think his leaving the team is a huge problem but WR Hines Ward is in his 11th year and I’m sure he’s thinking about retirement soon. He also had a pretty bad injury at the end of the season that may give him problems this year.
The offensive line looks to be intact, except for the departure of Marvel Smith, so we’ll need to draft for the O-Line but that can be later in the 3rd round or so.
Our defense is in pretty good shape as well but I think we could use a stud at DE or DL to solidify the front 3 for the future.
In my opinion, there isn’t a huge need so, you pick the absolute best player available when we pick and work from there. I don’t worry come draft time because the Steelers have continually, year after year, drafted some of the best players in the NFL. The do their homework and know what to look for when developing players to fit the system.
Here’s to #7!!!
Go Steelers!
Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler FanaticPat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.
