Draft Grades: Steelers

This was another solid, but unspectacular draft for the Steelers. They addressed some needs and added depth but didn't land any immediate impact players.

I was slightly surprised by the selection of Evander Hood. He adds some youth to their aging defensive line, but it wasn't an immediate need and it was a slight reach. A player such as James Laurinaitis would have served a similar purposed at linebacker, but had much better value than Hood.

I love the selection of Kraig Urbik. He's a hard-nosed offensive lineman that fits nicely in Pittsburgh. He could definitely develop into a starter, possibly even pushing Darnell Stapleton for his job this year.

Mike Wallace was another excellent selection. I was slightly surprised to see him come off the board in the 3rd round, but he has a ton of upside. He has the potential to develop into a starter.

Keenan Lewis was another solid pick that will add to their depth at cornerback. They could have used more of an impact player earlier in the draft at cornerback, but depth was a need.

Joe Burnett was a reach and he doesn't offer anything that Keenan Lewis can't. This was an unnecessary pick and there were better players available.

I like the selection of Frank Summers. He'll never be an every-down player, but he has the potential to be an above average short-yardage back, which the Steelers needed.

Ra'Shon Harris could add to the depth at defensive end, but I'm not sure he'll be able to crack the active roster this season. He may needed year on the practice squad unless the Steelers run into some injury issues.

A.Q. Shipley is a competitor, but he doesn't have the build to hold up in the NFL. He was certainly worth a 7th-round pick, however, because every so often a player like Shipley finds a way to overachieve.

I don't see how David Johnson fits into the Steelers plan. He's a similar player to Sean McHugh who they just re-signed this offseason. I'd be somewhat surprised to see him on the active roster this season.

This was a decent draft for the Steelers, but they didn't add any impact players at their positions of need. The needed to upgrade their offensive line, but only added Urbik who likely isn't ready to start right away. The also could have used some depth at linebacker, which they completely ignored. I like their first three picks, but none of them fill a serious immediate need and none figure to make an instant impact. This was an adequate draft, but the impact won't be felt until a few years down the road.

Grade: B-

Steelers Eyeing Eric Wood?

The Steelers offensive line is in serious need of some help, and yet they've done nothing about it this offseason. That could change on draft day. Pro Football Weekly recently ran this quote from someone's front office personnel: "The Steelers have figured out Justin Hartwig is not the answer. He’s just a guy. He needs to be upgraded. I think they’ll look hard at a center in the first (round)."

Another source had this to say about Eric Wood: "If you want a physical center, (Louisville’s) Eric Wood is your guy. Flip a coin between Wood or (California's Alex) Mack, but we like Wood better. He could be the first center drafted. (Oregon’s) Max Unger is more versatile, but he won’t match up as well against power."

Put the two quotes together and it leads me to believe that Wood is the Steelers' guy. Their offensive line is built from guys that can be physical and dominant in the trenches. Wood has the ability to play center or guard and the Steelers have worked him out at both positions. He should be available with the 32nd pick and would be a safe choice for Pittsburgh.