NFL draft
Look for Steelers to at least window shop for a quarterback EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part of a series on the Steelers and the upcoming NFL draft.Theoretically, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set at quarterback. Kordell Stewart is coming off his best season, Tommy Maddox evolved into the prototypical veteran back-up and Tee Martin took in a second year of experience. His trip to NFL Europe this spring, the Steelers feel, should set him up for his best season as a pro.
Theoretically, the Steelers shouldn’t need to waste a draft pick at this position.
Realistically, though, the situation deserves a second look. Stewart’s contract is up in two years, Maddox has thrown only nine passes in the last six years, and Martin is coming off another inconsistent practice season with the scout team.
WHO’S OUT THERE?
Of course, the Steelers won’t have a chance to draft David Carr or Joey Harrington. The former has already begun negotiations with the expansion Houston Texans and Harrington could be the second pick. But if we are to listen to a coach whose team played against both, Harrington should be the first pick.
“Without working them out, without having the access these NFL teams do, I would have taken Harrington,” Colorado coach Gary Barnett told the Denver Post. “Watching this all unfold, not seeing everything they saw, I was a little surprised at the Texans’ (decision).”
Why?
“As I stood on the field and watched Carr throw the ball before practice, the thing that jumped out to me was how low a trajectory he had and how flat his delivery is,” Barnett said. “And he’s not a big youngster, either.”
And Harrington?
“I was tremendously impressed with his ball speed and arm strength. And he has tremendous leadership.
” He’s able to bring his team back from behind. As a coach, you look for that stuff. I’m not saying I didn’t see that in Carr, but it stood out in Harrington.”
Kurt Kittner of Illinois was ranked with the aforementioned players throughout most of the college season, but slumped late and worked out poorly. The charismatic Patrick Ramsey of Tulane and workout warrior Josh McKown of Sam Houston State have moved ahead of Kittner on most draft boards, but the Steelers won’t take any of them in the first two rounds. As one of their scouts said, it will be a case of “right guy, right round” if the Steelers are to draft a quarterback.
RIGHT GUY, RIGHT ROUND
Fourth Round – Rohan Davey, LSU. No, Davey doesn’t have the mobility of a Kordell Stewart, nor even a Tee Martin. At least not with the 261 pounds Davey carried at the Sugar Bowl. But he was down to 238 for his personal workout and ran a 4.7 40. His attributes are leadership, toughness, a quick release and the Daunte Culpepper type of strength that allows the 6-foot-2 pocket passer to zing the ball with defenders draped around him. If Davey’s not taken in the third round, he’ll likely be a hot commodity early on the second day of the draft.
Sixth Round – Seth Burford, Cal-Poly. Another 6-2, 240-pounder who’s being described as (pick one) a linebacker, tight end or fullback playing quarterback. Power, character and toughness have always looked good in black and gold, and this sleeper has caught their attention with his workouts.
Free Agent – Ronald Curry, North Carolina. One of the most heavily recruited players in the nation coming out of high school, Curry was a flop in college. But the 6-2, 220-pounder had enough athletic ability to start 21 games at point guard for the Tar Heels basketball team in the 2000-01 season. With the right coaching, i.e. Tom Clements, Curry might finally be able to put his immense talent to use.
FRIDAY: Running backs.