Prospects

The OL prospects are abundant in the 2009 draft.  This bodes well for the Steelers, as that seems to be their only weakness on the team.  Here are prospects that the Steelers are probably going to watch closely at the combine:

OT

Eben Britton  6'6"  310lbs

Phil Loadholt  6'8"  337lbs

Alex Boone  6'8"  312lbs

Most draft boards have Britton and Loadholt going by the 32nd pick.  If the Steelers can re-sign Starks and secure Colon, not too hard with a RFA, then look for an OT in rounds 3-4.  I like Alex Boone around there.  I do not think that OT is as big a priority as the interior line, although an upgrade at RT would be nice.

OG

Duke Robinson  6'5"  335lbs

Andy Levitre  6'3"  317lbs

Herman Johnson  6'7"  386lbs  (!!)

Kraig Urbik  6'6"  332 lbs

There are a few monsters in here at OG.  A lot of draft boards have the Steelers taking Duke Robinson with the 32nd pick.  That would be fine with me.  He looks to be the best OG prospect.  Herman Johnson with the 96th pick would be good, but I do not think that he would fit into the Steelers blocking schemes at LG as he has lower mobility...i.e. he has trouble pulling.  However, at RG he could be a complete monster in the running game.  Urbik is another good RG prospect and would be an assest in the running game.  I think this is where the Steelers need to improve the most, at either RG or LG.  If the Steelers re-sign Kemo, look for a draft pick to play RG immediately.  I do not think Simmons or Stapleton will make the team if that happens.

C

Alex Mack  6'4"  316lbs

Max Unger  6'5"  300lbs

Antoine Caldwell  6'3"  305lbs

Many draft boards have the Steelers taking Mack with the 32nd pick.  There is about a 45/45 spilt between Mack and Robinson.  The other 10% has the Steelers taking an OT.  Hartwig was adequate at center, but drafting an upgrade might be nice.   I think Mack is a great pick at 32.  If the Steelers go OG, look for them to take Caldwell in the 3-4th rounds.

The ideal scenario for 4 rounds:

Rd 1:  Duke Robinson

Rd 2:  Max Unger

Rd. 3:  CB or DE

Rd 4:  Alex Boone

This is ideal as it permits the Steelers to offer Colon a one year max RFA offer, and to prep Boone at RT in case he looks as good as or better than Colon in pass pro.  This puts a stud at RG, assuming Kemo re-signs, or offers his replacement at LG.  Unger can play C or compete for the RG position.

The OL might look like this:  Starks - Kemo - Hartwig/Unger - Robinson- Colon

Without Kemo:  Starks - Robinson - Hartwig - Unger - Colon

Depth:  Boone, Hills, Stapelton, Essex

Second Option:

Rd 1:  Alex Mack

Rd 2:  Herman Johnson

Rd 3:  CB orDE

Rd 4:  Kraig Urbik

What to do with Hartwig if Mack plays C?  This lets the Steelers part with Kemo and put Urbik in his place.  Johnson could play RG with Stapleton as depth.  Hartwig could provide depth at C/G.  Hills and Essex would have to be the depth for OT.

The OL might look like this:  Starks - Urbik - Mack - Johnson - Colon

Depth:  Hartwig, Stapleton, Hills, Essex

Either way, this draft is coming at the right time for the Steelers, even with the last pick in each round.

Steelhead