Evander Hood
I like his size at DE, being 300lbs. I like his motor and style of play. Will he replace Keisel or Smith? I think this will be Keisel's last year with the Steelers. This is his last year on his contract, and I'm sure the Steelers will want Hood starting next year. Look for Hood to start contributing in the nickle 2-4-5 alignment by week 8. A duo of Hood and Smith would give a nice balance of run stopping and interior pass rush. This means Hood would be stealing playing time from Keisel - very similar to the Timmons/Foote scenario.
Kraig Urbik
Big and nasty - I love it! Look for Urbik to challenge for the RG position in camp. If Urbik picks up the zone blocking scheme and playbook, I think he'll be more effective than Stapleton for Week 1. Wisconsin OL prospects do very well in the NFL, and I expect Urbik to excel in the Steelers scheme. The interior running game should improve with him in the lineup, however, his big learning curve will be in pass pro, blitz recognition and stunt pickups.
Mike Wallace
For the love of Pete, all he has to do is make the team as a kick returner. His primary competition, Gary Russell, was cut already. Any production at WR would be bonus. All he has to do is catch the ball and get past the 20 on KO returns, and not fumble punts. The kid has speed, so if the ST unit can get him a crease, it could be very fun to watch.
Keenan Lewis
Kind of reminds me of Ike with less speed and identical hands. Might be a free safety eventually, as Clark is in his last contract year, and Lewis has the size.
Joe Burnett
Too small for a Steelers corner, and doesn't have very good speed. Maybe a good punt return guy, but reminds me of Willie Reid...and we know how that turned out. Reid was faster too. Can he make the team by just contributing on ST? I guess we'll find out. I think this is one pick that does not make the team...but contributes on the practice squad.
Frank Summers
I love this pick. I think Frank already took Gary Russell's goaline role. If I were Willie Parker, I'd be worried. With Mendenhall coming back from injury, and Summers taking the short yardage situations, and Moore coming in on 3rd downs...well...what will Willie's role be? I think Parker will be gone in two years, as his primary game is speed, and that will slip eventually. Back to Summers - he is aggressive and physical and has decent speed too. Has really good hands that can create a mismatch with a smaller defender. Think LaRon McLain.
Ra'shon Harris
Eh - practice squad.
A.Q. Shipley
Value pick here, as he will be the backup center as a rookie, and might even start someday. The biggest knock is his short arms. If he can work through that, he will be a decent center for a while...certainly better than Mahan....oops.
David Johnson
Might challenge Spaeth for the 2nd TE spot, and McHugh for the H-back type role. However, he's got his work cut out for him with McHugh. Probably contributes on the practice squad until Spaeth moves on.
A lot of people are grading this draft...I'll wait to see who actually makes the team and contributes. I do like the fact the Steelers brought in talented players at the positions of need.
