Hello everyone. I know that if you have been reading the site lately you will see a lot of these articles. Giving you a closer look into your team's draft. Today we are focusing our attention to the Steelers, and who else to give us a closer look into the Steelers than a very good friend of mine Mr. Steve Kimble. Steve is known as Steeler Steve, A great guy that has been following the Steelers for over thirty years. You can reach his great site at http://steelersnstuff.blogspot.com. So let's take a look into our last draft team interview!
Brandon Sweeney: Steeler Steve, thank you so much for spending some time with us today at PFH.
Steeler Steve: Thanks for having me. I really enjoy your site and I'm ready to talk some NFL draft!
Brandon Sweeney: Sounds good. Before we get right into this year's draft, let's talk about last year's draft. Tell us how it helped the Steelers' success last season?
Steeler Steve: Last season's draft was a great success so far. First round pick C Maurkice Pouncey exceeded every one's expectations coming in and playing lights out as a rookie . He showed great leadership and football smarts and made the Pro Bowl as a first year player. You cant ask for much more than that. He looks like the leader of the offensive line for many years to come.The two young wide outs Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown really stepped up and made some key contributions in the receiving game and under the guidance of veteran Hines Ward should become quality starters in the near future.Linebackers Jason Worlids and Stevenson Sylvester made key contributions on special teams and look to be real players . So I would say it was a very good draft as it stands now.
Brandon Sweeney: Looking at the Steelers in the past seven years, what would you grade them overall in that time span?
Steeler Steve: I would have to say B+ to A- I mean when you draft a franchise QB in Ben Roethlisberger on offense and a future hall of fame Safety Troy Polamalu on defense that's great stuff not to mention key players like Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes and Mendenhall that's pretty good and maybe better than most.
Brandon Sweeney: April 28th, who are the Steelers going to take Thursday night and why?
Steeler Steve: I would like to pretend I have that answer but there are just too many ways the Steelers could go at 31 that I don't think they could answer that question right now. I will tell you their positions of need are a corner back , offensive line ,defensive line . A lot of people are saying CB Aaron Williams out of Texas but i hear that the Steelers Staff is kind of split on this choice with some that like him and some that don`t. They may choose to wait till the 2nd Rd for a CB. As far as offensive line I think they would love to get Derrick Sherrod OT out of Miss. St. but will he be there? They also like James Carpenter OT out of Alabama a lot but may wait to get him in the second round.Defensive line I hear they like DE Cameron Heyward Ohio St a lot and would take him if available. They also like DT Kenrick Ellis Hampton and Phil Taylor DT out of Baylor but both have character issues and that may be more then they want to deal with. The Steelers may drop back and pick up some more picks . You just never know about the Steelers they have a very good poker face when it comes to the draft. I am leaning toward them picking Cameron Heyward if he is available though.
Brandon Sweeney: As the Draft continues, what are some other things that the Steelers need to do during the draft in the later rounds?
Steeler Steve: I think there is enough talent in this draft that you could see them pick a couple quality Corners between rounds 2-6 .The same could be said about defensive line and offensive line. It just so happens that this is a good draft to have those needs.I also think they may throw a 3rd down back ,Wide receiver ,safety, or a tight end in the late rounds 5-7.
Brandon Sweeney: Is there a player that the Steelers can't pass up?
Steeler Steve: I guess if one of the top OT surprisingly fell their way they would have to jump at it...or top 3 corners but at 31 that's doubtful . I think the Steelers like to keep an open mind and won't tie their hopes on any certain player. They will see how it all shakes out and take the best value left on their board.
Brandon Sweeney: If the Steelers get their draft needs, what is your prediction for them in the 2011 season?
Steeler Steve: Well I know that's a big if ,but I don't see much of a drop off from last season. Roethlisberger is coming into his prime. They have young weapons on offense. Pouncey and the offensive line should only grow to be better . The defense is still a top defense so I don't see why they should not be considered among the top contenders in the Super Bowl hunt.
Brandon Sweeney: I agree Steeler Steve.. I want to thank you so much for joining us today! You have given us our most in depth look inside the Steelers' draft. Is there any thing else that you would like to say to the readers?
Steeler Steve: Thanks for having me and enjoy the draft and hopefully this owner vs players thing gets worked out soon so we can enjoy the NFL to its fullest.
Well there you have it. Another Draft chat that was a success! Did not have the chance to have an interview with all 32 teams. Please keep checking in for the last few draft articles that we will be having! If you would like to follow Steeler Steve on Twitter please catch him @STEELERSNSTUFF. Please Steelers' fans leave all your questions and thoughts for Steeler Steve. He would be happy to talk with you guys!
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