Depth Perceptions: Dallas Cowboys’ Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

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Depth Perceptions is a weekly look at the depth chart and positional battles all over the NFL.

All the hype, the pomp and circumstance, the camera lights that shine so bright on the Dallas Cowboys were a detriment in 2008. It seemingly accentuated the festering problems of a very talented team that had yet to win anything significant.

The disappointment of the 2007 playoffs led to increased pressure and resulted in a 1-3 December that left them scratching their collective heads.

So, owner Jerry Jones decided changes were to be made for the 2009 season not the least of which was the release of pro-bowler/future hall of famer/irritant Terrell Owens from his contract.

The Cowboys decided to free themselves of the drama king who had accused offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, quarterback Tony Romo, and tight end Jason Witten of conspiring against him in an effort to reduce his stake in the offensive game plan.  How very high school of them all to do such a thing…

With that single transaction came the shifting of roles for every player in the Cowboys’ offense.  Head coach Wade Phillips and Garrett will be tasked with replacing an experienced player who accounted for 38 TDs the last three seasons, more than any other receiver in the NFL in that span.

We will see some of the returning stars continue to shine but it remains to be seen if what is left is a championship caliber football team, a standard that is the only one Jerry Jones will deem acceptable.

Jason Witten – Witten enjoyed his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl invitation last season while leading the team with 81 catches. His ability to stretch the middle of the field and dominate linebackers in space is coveted by every team in the league and very few have a player that can match his talents at tight end.

Witten’s close relationship with Romo was at the center of the T.O. controversy but the reality is that their on-field chemistry results in big plays season after season. Witten has become the No. 1 target in Dallas (the real sore spot for T.O.) and his experience will be leaned on heavily by Romo and the offensive staff in 2009.

Roy Williams – The seemingly nonsensical, overpriced midseason trade for Williams in 2008 turns out to be just what the doctor ordered to replace the departed Owens. It makes one wonder if the Cowboys had set their plan in motion long before last season ever ended. 

Williams could never really get in sync with QB Tony Romo last year and has now had plenty of time to get on the same page and assume the No. 1 WR role in Dallas in 2009.

His career numbers on horrendous football teams in Detroit are more than respectable and Dallas threw for 29 TDs last season, fourth most in the NFL. Expect them to consistently utilize his size in the red zone.

Patrick Crayton – Crayton has worked to gradually increase his role in Dallas but saw it take a hit with the arrival of Roy Williams last year. Now that Owens is gone, Crayton should get more looks again and return to 2007 form or better but he will still be a fourth option behind Williams, Witten, and RB Marion Barber.

Crayton will be a big key for this unit as he tries to prove he is not just an adequate second option on the outside but can make plays and alleviate double-coverage for his teammates.

Martellus Bennett – Those of us who watched the HBO documentary Hard Knocks last summer got a little bit of an inside look as to what the organization thinks of second- year tight end Martellus Bennett. He is a major physical talent and if they can harness his potential, then the sky is the limit for him.

His ability would be an asset backing up Witten as well as allow the ‘Boys to use all that size to pound teams, particularly in the red zone where he caught 4 TDs in 2008. Expect Bennett to be used even more often this season in goal line sets and as a regular part of their offense.

Miles Austin – Austin was looking to have a breakout season in Dallas in 2008 but was caught in a logjam of options and suffered some injury problems. His ability as a kick returner is a key for Dallas and he should see a decent increase of last year’s 13 catches and 3 TDs. Austin will be looked upon as a solid piece of the puzzle to help fill out this unit with physically talented players

Sam Hurd – Hurd should earn the fourth wide receiver spot in training camp but the way Dallas uses their tight ends and running backs, that doesn’t lead to many balls being thrown his way.

His 19 receptions two years ago were a building block but injuries last season stunted his NFL progress. He is a home-run hitter option and will be counted on to pick up where he left off in 2007.

Isaiah Stanback – The former college QB is still developing as a WR and has shown enough potential to warrant the Cowboys trusting him with kickoffs. His pure athletic ability will be an asset going forward as the Cowboys continue to evaluate his long-term value for the team.

SUMMARY

Dallas’ passing offense fared quite well last season, finishing ninth in the league in passing yardage, all while missing starting QB Tony Romo for three games. With their No. 1 receiver now a Buffalo Bill, it is time for players they have invested a lot of time and money in to step up and earn their keep.

The overall athleticism displayed in this pass-catching unit is fantastic and with the supposed elimination of distractions from the locker room, it will be in Romo’s hands to bring this team back to the playoffs. 

I think Witten and Williams are very bankable in 2009 and the use of RBs Marion Barber and Felix Jones out of the backfield in will have the aerial attack back at the very top of the league once again, just like in 2007.

This article originally appeared on FantasyPros911.

Depth Perceptions: Minnesota Vikings’ Quarterbacks

Depth Perceptions is a weekly look at the depth chart and positional battles all over the NFL.

Regarding the starting quarterback situation with the Minnesota Vikings, this much is clear: they are still searching for one. The 2008 season was somewhat disappointing for the Vikings as they managed to make the playoffs by winning the NFC North only to lose their first postseason contest at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Led by the NFL’s No. 1 rushing defense and league-leading rusher Adrian Peterson, the Vikes had some of the significant attributes of successful NFL teams.

But, despite their 10-6 regular season record, their QB play was an Achilles heel in important spots. Journeyman Gus Frerotte threw 15 INTs to just 12TDs in 11 games before succumbing to an injury while Tarvaris Jackson bookended the season, being benched in September and out of sync in the playoff loss to Philly.

This offseason has been dedicated to trying to remedy their QB ills and has seen a trade for experienced Texans’ backup Sage Rosenfels, the release of Frerotte, and copious amounts of drama concerning the NFL’s all time-leading passer, Brett Favre…

(Interview excerpts from this week’s Joe Buck Live on HBO)

Joe Buck: “Do you plan on playing in the NFL next season?”

Brett Favre: “Maybe. I am considering it.”

Joe Buck: “Is Minnesota the only team on your radar?”

Brett Favre: “That’s all I’ve talked to. It makes perfect sense as far as coming back because it’s an offense that I ran for 16 years. I could teach the offense.”

Joe Buck: “What needs to happen for you to sign with the Vikings?”

Brett Favre: “I think first and foremost, I don’t think you can go past anything more than the arm. If that’s not up to par, and it’s not up to par when the time comes, then I can’t play…as I rehab and continue to throw and things, if it ever gets to the point where it feels like it did before it started hurting, then that…the biggest question mark is out of the way.”

And there we have it, my gridiron friends…an answer. It may not be the definitive reply we been waiting for, but it’s safe to say that Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings may very well be a match this time around.

His one-year stop-gap failure (league-leading 22 INTs) in New York has not deterred him from forging ahead with his NFL career, 18 seasons strong and counting.

Favre’s play was erratic last year, particularly in the last five games where he threw 9 INTs during a 1-4 team collapse that saw the Jets blow a golden opportunity to win the division or at least qualify for a wildcard spot.

Can it be blamed on the new system he was working with in New York? Or can it be blamed on his injured bicep? Has the game simply passed him by at age 39?

The Vikings are willing to wait and see how that surgically-repaired arm feels and we should expect to see Favre in purple in 2009, with everyone in Minnesota hoping he catches fire again like he did for Green Bay in 2007 when he threw for over 4,000 yards and 28TDs.

 

Sage Rosenfels

The Vikings took a significant leap of faith when they acquired Rosenfels to challenge for the starting QB position. While a fourth-round pick in the draft was not a heavy price to pay, Minnesota gave him a new two-year, $9 million contract ensuring a commitment to a career backup that has started only 12 games in his eight-year career.

Rosenfels is a well-respected player due to his athleticism and strong arm but his weaknesses of poor-decision making and locking in on receivers are similar to those of the player he is expected to challenge in Tarvaris Jackson. According to head coach Brad Childress, the two QBs are entering June camp in a dead heat and it will probably remain that way through much if the summer.

This could all be academic when Favre is signed but if that does fall through, then my hunch is we are likely to see Rosenfels win the job and try to remain in the starting lineup for a full season for the first time in his career.

 

Tarvaris Jackson

 “Tarvaris Jackson is one of hardest working guys you are going to find in this 85-man roster right now. Just in terms of the time he spends here, the time he spends in the books, with the wide receivers, in the weight room, strength and conditioning. There are very few people that work as hard as he does in the offseason.”

– Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress

That’s high praise from the head coach on his young, developing quarterback. One factor that should not be underestimated in this battle is the fact that Jackson has been a Viking since 2006. 

He knows the system, he knows the team, and many of the players might have his back over a newcomer like Rosenfels. I’m not suggesting mutiny would occur if he lost this battle but it can give an edge to a player when he senses that the locker room is rooting for him.

However, the veteran players know they have some major pieces in place for a playoff run and they are looking for the best QB to lead them there, regardless of his background. This is a wide-open race but my guess is Jackson will have a hard time winning the job over a veteran who has substantial money committed to him.

If Favre’s arm is in decent enough shape after surgery to allow him to get into camp by July and throw effectively, then he’s the man. The smart money would say he’s a Viking within the next couple of weeks.

If Favre is not healed and does decide to call it quits, or temporarily suspend his career, then it is a wide-open race through August. I’m giving Rosenfels the nod over Jackson for his experience and the decent-sized contract that no one wants to see on the bench.

 

This article was originally published on Fantasy Pros 911, read more right here.

New York Giants: Patrolling The Depths

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Patrolling the Depths is a weekly look at the depth chart battles all over the NFL.

With NFL preseason camps just over a month away, this time of year is crucial for coaches around the league to implement changes to the playbooks and tweaks to the roster. Each team will go into summer camp with high hopes for some players to step up and increase their role in helping their team win games.

Every week, we will take a look at key players, the positional battles being waged this offseason, and how this will affect the squads on their respective quests toward the playoffs.

 

New York Giants – Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Considering the level of talent on the New York Giants’ roster, this may the single most important positional question in all of the NFL—they are that close to being a complete team. The Plaxico Burress incident has been covered ad nauseum, but the hole left by his departure is significant as evidenced by the Giants late-season collapse and quick playoff ouster in 2008.

The veteran leadership lost by Burress’ absence along with Amani Toomer not being offered an extension is also something to consider as the G-Men look to right the ship for a run at Super Bowl XLIV.

Third-year offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride recently stated that every position at wideout is up for grabs, which will create a very competitive atmosphere through summer camp and beyond. Wide receiver Steve Smith and tight end Kevin Boss are the only players guaranteed touches, as Boss will be starting again and Smith will be the slot receiver, a role he successfully grew into last season.

Steve Smith – Smith led the Giants with 57 receptions in ’08 and will look to build on his second-year success. It is possible that he earns the coveted No. 1 receiver position and play outside which would leave the Giants looking for someone else to step into the slot role. Either way, he will be quarterback Eli Manning’s number one option this season.

Kevin Boss – He has proven his ability to be a go-to player and we are likely to see an increase in his role in the Giants’ offense. As the wide receivers try to fit into their new roles, Boss will open up the middle of the field for the Giants dominant ground attack, which was first in the league last season.

Dominik Hixon – Hixon stepped up in his first full season with the Giants becoming not only the regular punt returner but also grabbing 43 passes, third most on the team. He showed the coaches exactly what they needed to see, that he can be a reliable option for Manning. Hixon will be a valuable starter again this season and will have to prove himself all over again so as not to lose playing time to the big-time rookies the Giants acquired on draft day.

Hakeem Nicks – The North Carolina product became the Giants’ No. 1 draft pick in 2009 and will be expected to produce early and often. While he certainly projects to be Manning’s number one option at some point, it is rare that a rookie can step into that role seamlessly. Expect to see him on the field from Week 1and to see the size of his role increase through the season.

Ramses Barden – The third round draft pick out of Cal Poly has generated a fair amount of buzz simply due to his physical attributes at 6’6” and 227 pounds. He reeled in 18 touchdown passes last year alone so the hope is that some of that big-play ability can translate to the much higher level of competition. Barden will have the opportunity to crack the regular lineup but, at the very least, Manning will have another big target to utilize in the red zone.

Travis Beckum – The Wisconsin rookie is probably going to be used as a hybrid tight end and H-Back with the Giants so he will be catching passes out of the backfield. Derrick Ward had 41 receptions out of the backfield last season but his departure to Tampa Bay will ensure that the Giants need someone to fill that need immediately, expect Beckum to be that player.

Sinorice Moss – The 2006 second-round pick has been a disappointment thus far in his Giants’ career with only 38 catches to date, but the expectation will be that he can play a role providing reliable depth and flash his ability to break a big play on occasion.

David Tyree – The Super Bowl XLII hero will have his work cut out for him after missing the entire 2008 season due to injury. Despite roles being up for grabs, quite a few players are battling for them and someone will have to be a casualty.

Mario Manningham – After only four catches as a rookie, the Giants sent a message by taking two more rookies at his position. He will have to prove that he is worthy of a roster spot this August.

SUMMARY

Overall, the Giants have good depth at these positions but may lack the big play receiver that they had in Burress for three-and-a-half seasons. It is imperative that the rookies contribute and other veterans raise their game because the Giants have the type of roster that can win a ring if they get a little more from their pass catchers. I think this will be a struggle for at least the first half of the season but the focus for this team is January—only time will tell us how these players develop.

 

This article was originally published on www.fantasypros911.com

 

Throwing It Back: Inside the NY Giants’ 2009 Playbook

One begins to learn the basic philosophies of football in their formative years. They may or may not play a little Pop Warner, may or may not play high school ball, but for those who truly love to learn the game, they pick up a lot simply by watching their hometown team.

For this writer, that meant a full serving of Bill Parcells’ New York Giants every single weekend of the fall. It was throwback football, even for the 1980s: heavy ground attack, stifling defense, limiting turnovers and controlling the clock.

That was how it was done, that’s how teams won championships (or at least challenged the 49ers for them). To this day, I still view those characteristics as essential to winning teams and interestingly enough, we are seeing the Giants throw it back again under Parcells’ disciple Tom Coughlin.

It’s old school football for the new school G-Men.

Taking into account the offseason moves this far, here’s what to expect from the guys wearing the headsets in 2009:

 

OFFENSE

In 2008, the Giants became the first team with two running backs (Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward) to rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season since the 1985 Cleveland Browns (Earnest Byner and Kevin Mack).

The Giants’ 2,518 total rushing yards, 5.0 yards per carry average, and 13 turnovers were ranked No. 1 in the NFL- a clear emphasis on controlling the ball as well as the clock. The bottom line is this; the G-Men pound the ball down opponents’ throats—it’s what they do.

The 2008 formula led to 12 wins and a playoff appearance so I would expect more of the same in 2009, as they are stout up front with Pro Bowl offensive linemen Shaun O’Hara and Chris Snee opening holes.

While RB Derrick Ward is a significant loss in free agency, the combination of Ahmad Bradshaw, Danny Ware, and potentially rookie Andre Brown will be excellent compliments to bruising starter Brandon Jacobs.

The sky officially fell when WR Plaxico Burress was lost for the season and the Giants faded down the stretch but that trash has officially been taken out this offseason. Burress is gone forever as is long-time Giant Amani Toomer leaving holes where QB Eli Manning should be completing passes.

Third-year Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride recently stated in an interview that every position at wideout is up for grabs which will create a competitive atmosphere this July, August, and beyond.

Steve Smith is the only WR assured touches when he lines up in the slot but the rest of the cast including Domenik Hixon, David Tyree, Sinorice Moss, Mario Manningham and talented rookies Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden will all be battling for throws courtesy of Eli.

Another nugget from Gilbride was that the draft addition of TE Travis Beckum was done in hopes of creating mismatches on the opposing defenses. He feels that Beckum can be a dynamic component opposite fellow TE Kevin Boss because his size/speed combination will give linebackers fits in coverage.

Gilbride also stressed the ability to specifically create personnel changes on the other side of the field and exploit them by changing play calls when the match-ups are to the Giants’ advantage.

This is obviously what coaches do each game but Gilbride put an emphasis on having those versatile players in the lineup and Beckum appears to be one of them with his ability to play TE or H-Back.

 

DEFENSE

Last season, the Giants stayed true to the philosophy that won them Super Bowl XLII—pressure the quarterback. Easier said than done with DE Michael Strahan retiring and his counterpart Osi Umenyiora suffering a season-ending knee injury in the preseason.

The rest of the cast filled in well, with Justin Tuck having a breakout season by contributing with 13 of the team’s 43 sacks placing them sixth in the league in that category.

They were not as opportunistic as they would have liked forcing 22 turnovers (20th in the league) and only one in the last month of the regular season, a sign of the late season swoon suffered by the entire team.

This season brings with it a change at the top as former LB coach Bill Sheridan takes over the defensive coordinator reins from the departed Steve Spagnuolo.

In a recent interview, Sheridan mentioned that he would be calling the plays from the coaches’ box as opposed to the sidelines like his predecessor. He mentions his business-like, organized approach as being the catalysts for this preference of game locale but we can expect schemes and philosophy to remain very much the same

As I have written before, a team can never have enough defensive linemen. The Giants’ additions of free agents Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard and more importantly the return of Umenyiora from injury will provide more depth at that position than any team in the NFL.

The mad dash to the opposing quarterback will continue as Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Fred Robbins round out the most talented defensive line in the NFL.

Free agent addition linebacker Michael Boley provides the Giants with a pass-coverage option better than anyone on last year’s roster and his athleticism should increase the number of plays being made by the Giants’ weakest unit.

Sheridan also spoke about rookie Clint Sintim’s size and ability to rush the passer on third downs being an asset to the team right from the start of his career.

In the defensive backfield, uber-talented Kenny Phillips steps in for free-agent loss James Butler that should be considered an upgrade despite the relative lack of experience. Michael Johnson, Aaron Ross, and Corey Webster all fill the same roles in what is shaping up to be a potentially special unit.

 

SUMMARY

The Giants will not be rocking the boat this season as the tweaks and additions that were made this offseason will be enough to get them back to the playoffs. The defense improves markedly with the return of Osi but the defining, potential title-winning change with this team will be how the wide receiver and tight end roles play out.

Regardless of who steps up into the top role, Eli will need to find a favorite target that can become a legitimate threat particularly deep in opponents’ territory in what Giants’ coaches like to call the ‘Green Zone’.

Brick by Brick: 2009 Giants Back for Another Run

The draft has taken place, the free agency frenzy has dissipated, the proverbial dust has settled.  The NFL offseason is no longer the time when coaches, players, and GMs can exhale but rather when the tweaks are made to the haves and the leaps are made by the have-nots.

After coming together for an epic run through the 2007 postseason that culminated in the Super Bowl XLII Championship, 2008 saw the New York Giants get off to a blazing 11-1 start before the season unexpectedly derailed.

Highly publicized off-field issues led to on-field problems that saw the Giants bounced from the playoffs at home against the hated Philadelphia Eagles.  One and done.  That’s no way to go out.

Possessing one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, General Manager Jerry Reese and Head Coach Tom Coughlin know that shots at the title are rare, and they are prepared to make another run at it in 2009.

Let’s take a look at the additions, the subtractions, and how they may shape the fortune of this year’s squad.

 

KEY LOSSES

Steve Spagnuolo, Defensive Coordinator

Spagnuolo’s scheme came together in the last two seasons and was a major determining factor in the team’s success, particularly creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. As a “hot” coordinator for the last two years, it was no shock to see him leave for a head job and rebuild in St. Louis.

 

Plaxico Burress, WR

Call him a buffoon, say he ruined the season, tell him good riddance…the fact remains that the Giants needed Plaxico down the stretch and their offense suffered as a result of him being injured, and ultimately, suspended.

His ability to convert big plays with QB Eli Manning was sorely missed and saw the offense’s scoring average drop from 29 points through the first 11 games to 18 points over the last six.

His release was the most significant event of the offseason and finding a replacement is the Giants’ No. 1 priority.

 

Amani Toomer, WR

A 14-year veteran of the team and a class act, his presence and professionalism will be an influence that cannot be easily duplicated. His 48 catches provided solid production but the Giants decided that they will be able to insert a younger, cheaper option at the wide-out position.

 

James Butler, S

Butler gained valuable experience in his five years with Big Blue and moved on in free agency to help Spagnuolo strengthen his defense in St. Louis. Butler’s aggressive play resulted in 68 tackles and three interceptions so it will be up to some of the younger players to step into his role.

 

Derrick Ward, RB

Ward filled in perfectly in the three games that starter Brandon Jacobs missed and was regularly a part of an excellent one-two punch when both running backs were active.  A 1,000-yard rusher who led the team with a 5.6 yard-per-carry average in 2008, Ward will be missed.

 

KEY ADDITIONS (FREE AGENCY)

Chris Canty, DE

As old the adage goes, you can never have enough defensive linemen. After losing Michael Strahan to retirement and Osi Umenyiora to an injury in 2008, the burden fell on the likes of Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Fred Robbins to put pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.

They also experienced a late season swoon so the addition of Canty provides them with excellent depth and an experienced player who may be entering his prime years.

 

Michael Boley, LB

Boley is an excellent addition to the linebacking corps which is likely the weakest unit on a very strong roster.

His quickness allows him to make some plays from sideline to sideline and his skills in pass coverage were badly needed so expect him to lock up on a lot of opposing tight ends on passing downs.

 

KEY ADDITIONS (DRAFT)

Hakeem Nicks, WR

The North Carolina product addresses the spot vacated by Plaxico Burress’ departure. Even though Nicks may not have explosive speed, he possesses tremendous hands and overall athleticism which will make him an immediate option for Manning opposite Steve Smith.

The caveat is that Smith is really a No. 2 option, so asking a rookie to come in and claim the No. 1 spot on a potential championship team is asking way too much.

 

Clint Sintim, LB

Adding a linebacker early in the draft illustrates the Giants’ concern with overall depth and talent at the position and addresses the need immediately. Sintim will be adjusting to a new system but, with his excellent size, he can take on would-be blockers in space.

 

Ramses Barden, WR

At 6’ 6”, 229 lbs, it’s safe to say he has rare size for a wideout. The jury is out on how well he will match up with elite talent but he should make an impact this season even if only in a limited role.

 

Travis Beckum, TE

Despite having some injury problems at Wisconsin, Beckum showed a lot of ability as a pass-catching tight end, which adds another weapon in addition to starter Kevin Boss.

 

Andre Brown, RB

A solid talent, Brown steps right into the fray with Ahmad Bradshaw to attempt to fill the hole that Derrick Ward left.

 

SUMMARY

For an offense that averaged five yards-per-carry in 2008, you can expect a heavy dose of the ground game with Brandon Jacobs, while Ahmad Bradshaw and rookie Andre Brown pick up the extra carries. 

Also, expect the TEs to be an integral part of the passing offense this season, with Kevin Boss seeing more of Eli’s throws sent his way and rookie Travis Beckum in the mix.

Those two factors will allow wide receivers like Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith to function better as a unit until some of the younger players, including Nicks, develop.

Defensively, 28-year coaching veteran Bill Sheridan steps into a coordinator’s role for the first time. Much of the personnel will be the same but the additions of Canty, Boley, and the likely insertion of Kenny Phillips and/or Michael Johnson into starting safety roles, will require some reps for everyone to feel completely comfortable.

Expectations are high and the Giants have the components for a truly great team this season, so to let one deficiency at wide receiver derail them again would be the height of frustration. 

Jerry Reese has purchased the groceries—it’s time for Coughlin and company to cook the gourmet meal.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Draft 2009: Sizing Up the Additions

There will be no grades, no snarky criticism, no prognosticating on players that I have never seen play the game of football. I’ll save that for the blowhards on various forms of media that don’t watch much college football and yet seem to know everything about players from Division III schools who ran a nice 40-yard dash in a pair of shorts in a dome in Indianapolis in February…but I digress.

Let’s see how the lucky draftees might fit into the roster next season and how well the Steelers addressed their needs through the draft.

 

DEFENSIVE LINE

Evander “Ziggy” Hood – DT, Missouri – 6’3, 300 – Round One

Some expected an offensive lineman with the first round pick but, as was mentioned in this column pre-draft, depth was the key this year. Ziggy will have time to learn the “five-technique” from the Steelers’ veteran defensive lineman and will have expectations on him to take over a starting role by 2010.

 

Ra’Shon Harris – DT, Oregon – 6’4″, 298 – Round Six

He only started one year at Oregon so hopefully the athleticism that he showed at the Shrine Game will allow him to ramp up more quickly at this level.

 

OFFENSIVE LINE

Kraig Urbik – OT, Wisconsin – 6’5, 328 – Round Three

Their first pick of Day Two after moving out of the bottom of Round Two is a throwback. While not the most athletic player at his position, he is aggressive and his versatility should pay off allowing him to be plugged in at several spots along the line.

 

A.Q Shipley – C, Penn State – 6’1″, 304 – Round Seven

While he does not have ideal size, the scouts to like his footwork and overall ability. The Steelers make this pick simply to add some depth to a unit that needs it.

 

DEFENSIVE BACK

Keenan Lewis – CB, Oregon State – 6’0″, 208 – Round Three

Lewis made 48 of a possible 50 starts at Oregon State and there is no substitute for that kind of experience. It showed during his impressive Senior Week and you can expect to see him on the field often next season.

 

Joe Burnett – CB, Central Florida – 5’9″, 192 – Round Five

It generally raises a red flag when a player is smaller than the writer of this article but Burnett’s role will be as a ball-hawk in nickel and dime packages to start, something scouts say he does very, very well.

 

WIDE RECEIVER

Mike Wallace – WR, Mississippi – 6’0′, 199 – Round Three

A childhood friend of Keenan Lewis’, Wallace will step in as one of the fastest players on the team (4.33 40-yd dash) and will battle with Limas Sweed to fill the void left open by Nate Washington’s departure.

 

RUNNING BACK

Frank Summers – RB, UNLV – 5’9″, 241 – Round Five

After the highly-publicized short yardage issues the Steelers experienced last year, they released Gary Russell and drafted a specialist. Summers’ compact build should deliver punishing blocks and goal-line touchdowns. He also gets the official fantasy football sleeper pick of this team’s draft.

 

TIGHT END

David Johnson – TE, Arkansas State – 6’2, 260 – Round Seven

Johnson is here almost exclusively for his blocking ability. He will not be catching many passes unless he lines up at H-Back often, which is not completely out of the question. The one thing this pick could signify is the Steelers’ concern about their ability to re-sign Heath Miller next off-season.

 

SUMMARY

It appears I prefaced this year’s draft correctly, as the Steelers went for depth above all else. They have shown continued commitment in getting this team younger as they jettisoned veteran LB Larry Foote to make way for Lawrence Timmons in a starting role so expect Ziggy Hood et al to be pushing the veterans for a starting job in the near future.

Clearly, the team hopes that all the selections make immediate impacts but much of this year’s class will be waiting in line to get their chance in 2010 or beyond. For now, they should remain humble, and maybe they can earn their first championship rings as backups…

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