Talent over need was right choice
The Steelers’ controversial draft or the exploits of a certain 7-0 hockey playoff team? This was the question that I presented myself with when trying to come up with this week’s column. In the interest of not jinxing the latter of the two choices, let’s talk Mendenhall. While listening to hours of television and satellite radio, one thing has become clear to me about the 2008 crop of Steeler rookies: no two fans can agree on whether or not this draft was a success.
Going into the much-ballyhooed annual event, the Steelers seemed to have the most clearly defined needs of almost any team – shoring up the offensive line. After looking terrible last year in giving up almost 50 sacks, the main line of defense for Pittsburgh’s 100 million dollar quarterback lost by far its best member as Alan Faneca left for the greener pastures of free agency.
However, with six of this year’s top tackles and the best guard already off the board, the Steelers did exactly what they should have, and that’s take the best player available.
After Dallas selected running back Felix Jones, the Pittsburgh contingency at Radio City Music Hall in New York broke into chants of “Men-den-hall, Men-den-hall” and I’ll admit I was getting into it.
It was clear the Pittsburgh war room was in agreement with their faithful as just a few minutes after they went on the clock, the Black and Gold took the 5-10, 225-pound stud from Illinois.
The Steelers followed the same strategy in round two as highly graded o-linemen and defensive contributors were nowhere to be found. So they took wide receiver Limas Sweed, giving Roethlisberger the big body (6-4, 214 lb.) with soft hands he was desiring.
The latter rounds produced linebacker Bruce Davis, whom some have started comparing to Joey Porter; offensive tackle Tony Hills; quarterback Dennis Dixon; linebacker Mike Humpal; and safety Ryan Mundy.
Obviously, this was not the draft that most fans had predicted, but it’s one they should be happy with.
Mendenhall has the look of a star Pittsburgh back: big, strong, fast and downright nasty. Sweed gives Big Ben three true starting wide receivers, assuming he recovers from injuries this past season.
I could go on and on, but I’ll end with this simple sentiment: there’s a reason the Steelers consistently win without breaking the bank on free agents. They know how to draft. So for all the nay-sayers, calm down, sit back and lets just see what happens. Chances are, it’s going to be good.