The 2008 Steelers Draft could be one for all ages
The 2008 NFL draft of the Pittsburgh Steelers could be one for all ages. Only time will tell now. The success of a draft can’t really be judged for three or four years, but at first glance you have to like the opportunity this one has. No one could have predicted that running back Rashard Mendenhall would have gone down on the Steelers’ return to the 23rd overall pick with so many teams ahead they needed a quality running back.
This was the first running back picked by Pittsburgh in the first round of an NFL Draft since the team selected Tim Worley in 1989 with the seventh overall pick. For my part, I was sure that the way the draft started, the Steelers would have traded that pick. I’m glad I was wrong. To make matters even better, Texas wide receiver Limas Sweed fell to the Steelers in the second round, the 53rd overall pick. Ben Roethlisberger fulfilled his wish for a tall and wide receiver and Sweed should help out as Hines Ward finishes his illustrious career.
Day two wasn’t all that sexy, but UCLA’s LB Bruce Davis should slowly turn into a great filler as the Steeler defense is rumored to slowly migrate to a hybrid two-style Tampa defense. The Sweeds’ teammate in Texas, offensive tackle Tony Hills, is a beast and will be groomed to fill the left-side tackle position. Most staunch Steeler fans regard quarterback Dennis Dixon as a throwaway draft pick, but with Charlie Batch getting older, he was definitely worth it for his athleticism. To complete the day, two picks were linebacker Mike Humpal from Iowa and safety Ryan Mundy from neighboring West Virginia. If one of these two draft picks can stay and at least contribute on special teams, it will be a win.
If these two sixth rounds can be held, it would be a dunk. If the 2008 Steelers offensive line can improve and stay healthy throughout the course of the season, I truly believe the Steelers can once again capture the AFC North division and make another run in what would be their sixth NFL championship. Once again, time will tell.