NFL draft
Safety and cornerback are priorities on Steelers’ list EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a series on the Steelers and this weekend’s NFL draft.Two years ago, as director of operations Kevin Colbert prepared for his first draft with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he named defensive playmaker as one of the team’s needs. Third-round pick Hank Poteat, though, was not the answer.
The Steelers did draft a defensive playmaker last year, but Kendrell Bell is more of a Greg Lloyd than a Rod Woodson, the type of playmaker this defense still needs.
This could be the year the Steelers fill that need. The team enters this draft down one safety and one cornerback from last year, so either spot could be filled by a first-rounder. The better value will most likely be found at safety.
Who’s out there?
Early in the process, defensive coordinator Tim Lewis was brought to the film room to look at the cut-ups of a cornerback.
“Somebody by the name of Jammer,” Lewis recalled. “After I watched the first two plays, I said, ‘Why are you showing me this? We have no chance of getting this kid.'”
Lewis was right. Quentin Jammer (5-11 7/8, 204), the cornerback from Texas, could be picked as high as second this year. The No. 2 cornerback, Philip Buchanon (5-9 7/8, 186) of Miami, is also a top 10 pick.
Other highly touted cornerbacks are Mike Rumph (6-2, 205) of Miami, Derek Ross (5-10 3/8, 197) of Ohio State and Lito Sheppard (5-10, 194) of Florida. Rumph doesn’t interest the Steelers, and it’s unlikely that problem child Ross is even on their draft board. Sheppard could interest them at pick No. 30 since he’s also a quality return man.
The top sleepers are Wisconsin-Stout’s Tony Beckham (6-1, 195) and Western Kentucky’s Joseph Jefferson (5-11 1/2, 205). Both ran the 40 in 4.39 at the combine.
At free safety, Edward Reed sits alone at the top of the class. He led the nation with nine interceptions and is ranked ahead of Jon McGraw (6-3 1/8, 208) of Kansas Sate, Lamont Thompson (6-1 1/8, 220) of Washington State and Jermaine Phillips (6-1 1/8, 214) of Georgia.
The top strong safety is Oklahoma’s Roy Williams (6-0 3/8, 219), who’s drawn comparisons to Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. Williams played so close to the line, though, he was almost a fourth linebacker for the Sooners. How scouts view his coverage skills will determine whether Williams is a top 10 pick.
The other top strong safeties are Colorado’s Michael Lewis (6-1 1/8, 211) and Mississippi State’s Edward “Pig” Prather (5-11 5/8, 200), but both have medical question marks.
Steelers’ situation
As mentioned, the Steelers need to replace Myron Bell as their fourth safety and Jason Simmons as their fourth cornerback. The safety position, though, should be filled first. Free safety Brent Alexander will be 31 in July and strong safety Lee Flowers is entering the final year of his contract. Neither is quick enough to provide the playmaking skills that often put a defense over the top. The lone backup is Mike Logan, who is now considered a strong safety. A backup and eventual successor to Alexander at free safety is the pressing need.
Right guy, right round
First Round – Reed (5-11, 201), Miami. While not as big as some of the other highly touted free safeties, Reed is a leader and playmaker deluxe.
He has future team captain written all over him. When asked by the Houston Chronicle which team he hoped would draft him, Reed said: “Actually, I’d like to go to a team that’s a Super Bowl contender and help them take that next step and win a ring.” He just might get his wish.
Third Round – Mike Echols (5-9 3/8, 190), Wisconsin. A cornerback in the Deshea Townsend mold, only a step faster. Like Townsend, Echols comes out of a big program that played in a run-oriented conference. He’s quick enough and tough enough.
Sixth Round – Jason Hebert (5-11 3/8, 190), Rice. Bargain-basement free safety who loses points for his size, but gains them with his sprinter speed and toughness. Led his team with 103 tackles last season. Also returns punts.
Seventh Round – Markese Fitzgerald (5-10, 180), Miami. Was his team’s nickel cornerback, but there’s no shame in being a top back-up for the national champions.
Fitzgerald also excelled on every special-teams unit.