2003 Draft

The Steelers came into the draft needing help along their offensive line early, but the board didn't line up for them and instead they got two of the biggest steals in the draft in rounds one and two.  They did draft former tight end Hills in round four and he has potential but isn't NFL-ready right now.  There were some options along the line the Steelers could have added in rounds five and six, but the players they drafted are fine.  I did think they would have gone after players like Tyler Polumbus and Robert Felton in free agency.  While no sure things, players of this ilk would have been worth a look in camp.

DRAFT PICKS

When looking back at this draft, Mendenhall could be the best every down back to come out of this draft (McFadden will be the best playmaker).  The timing for drafting a player like Mendenhall who is big, fast, quick, runs well inside and outside, and is a good receiver was perfect.  Fast Willie Parker is coming off injury and is coming off back to back seasons of over 300 carries.  He is not a big back and being in the top five in carries for two straight years could start to take its toll on him.  Mendenhall could become option one in a two-back system sooner than many people think.

Sweed was a steal in round two.  Just like with Mendenhall, when looking back at this draft, Sweed could be the best receiver to come out of this draft.  Sweed has excellent hands, very good speed for a big receiver, and is a top athlete.  At almost 6'4" with a 37.5" vertical, Big Ben and him can play catch above defensive back heads.  

Davis was very productive at UCLA at defensive end, especially as a pass rusher, but may lack the quickness and change-of-direction skills to play outside linebacker in the Steeler's 3-4 defense and is much too small to play end in a 3-4.  Of course if the Steelers ever go back to a 4-3, the system Tomlin favored prior to becoming Pittsburgh's head coach, he could be a good pass rushing defensive end.

Hills is an athletic offensive tackle who is a converted tight end.  He still is a bit of a work in progress, but has the tools to develop into a quality starter.

Dixon is an excellent athlete who got injured late in his senior year and will likely sit out this year.  Down the line he could give Pittsburgh an interesting developmental quarterback, who could play multiple roles while learning to play under center.  In the spread offense as a senior he completed two-thirds of his passes.

Humpal was thought to be a player who had limited athletic ability and got by on smarts and hard work.  However, his workout shows that he is a pretty good athlete who is quick and has decent speed.  He will be a very good special teams and solid backup.

Like most of the Steelers' picks, Mundy was a productive player in college.  He is a heady player with good strength.  He is also a terrific athlete who changes direction well and will be a top special teams player.  He has potential a safety as well.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Williams is an undersized corner who plays faster and quicker on the field than he times.  Early in his college career he was a top punt returner and may need to show that skill to stick.  If not, he is a good candidate for the Steelers' practice squad.

Reffett is a good kid who picked a good situation for him.  He plays the run better than the pass but is undersized (bulk) for a run-stuffing defensive tackle.  However, he has the perfect frame for defensive end in the 3-4.  He faces long odds, but is a hard worker.

Rucker has good size, is an excellent athlete, and was productive at Eastern Illinois.  I predict he will stick on the Steelers' practice squad.  He is a couple of years away but could develop into a #4 receiver and special teams player.