The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of a mediocre 8-8 season in 2012 in which they failed to make the playoffs. On offense, as has become the norm, Ben Roethlisberger missed some games (three) and the offense mounted nothing close to a consistent ground game. Defensively, the Steelers were statistically very good (first in the NFL in yards allowed per game at 275.8), however, the unit did not come up with many game-changing impact plays, sacks (37), tackles for loss (44), and interceptions (10).
Many changes were clearly in store for a cap-strapped football team and many have already taken place. Two starters entering the prime of their careers, wide receiver Mike Wallace and cornerback Keenan Lewis were allowed to leave and signed with the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints, respectively. Stalwart defensive menace, linebacker James Harrison has joined the Cincinnati Bengals after a contract impasse with the organization.
Oft-injured veteran offensive lineman Willie Colon was released. Maligned running back Rashard Mendenhall signed with his old offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and the Arizona Cardinals. Backup safeties Will Allen (Dallas Cowboys) and Ryan Mundy (New York Giants) landed elsewhere. While still possible, it is unlikely that either longtime nose tackle Casey Hampton or offensive tackle Max Starks will be back with the team.
While the first wave of free agency is usually a spectator sport in Pittsburgh, there was some drama, as well as some positive developments on the personnel front. The Steelers seemingly won a game of \"chicken\" with the rival New England Patriots, when they matched a restricted free agent offer sheet to receiver Emmanuel Sanders for $2.5 million. They would have been better off taking New England\'s third round pick (91st pick of the draft) as compensation, as the Steelers have a lot of needs and Sanders is not likely to sign beyond 2013.
Better free agent receiving options could have been pursued such as Brandon Lloyd, who would play very well with Roethlisberger\'s sandlot style of quarterbacking. Lloyd stays alive and makes great catches and big plays. Devery Henderson could provide a \"Mike Wallace-Lite\" element to the passing game with his speed to open up the underneath passing attack for the Steelers while making the occasional big strike downfield.
The nose tackle of the future - and seemingly the present - Steve McClendon not only signed his restricted $1.3 million dollar free agent tender, but the Steelers also extended him with a three - year $7.25 million dollar deal. Veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote resigned for another go around in the black and gold, as well as, backup inside linebacker Sylvester Stevenson. Veteran starting guard Ramon Foster, who was an unrestricted free agent, was also resigned to a new three - year deal. He can also play right tackle if necessary.
Some former Steelers were brought back to provide both depth and lessen needs going into the draft, including tight ends Matt Spaeth and D.J. Johnson, as well as former starting cornerback William Gay. Receiver Plaxico Burress is back for 2013 after signing during the 2012 season and making little impact.
Restricted free agent running backs Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer both signed their one-year restricted free agent tenders. Pittsburgh looked at free agents Ahmad Bradshaw and Beanie Wells, but neither received a contract offer. Running back is a clear need in either the draft or the second wave of free agency. Redman is an underrated third down back though, as he can run, block and catch.
The only true free agent signed who had never been previously with the Steelers was QB Bruce Gradkowski, who is originally from Pittsburgh. Gradkowski represents a younger, more mobile option behind Roethlisberger, as opposed to aging veterans Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch. The Steelers could look to bring in a developmental QB in the middle rounds of the draft if someone they like falls to them, perhaps Tennessee\'s Tyler Bray, but it would be difficult for the Steelers to draft a quarterback before the fifth round with all of their pressing needs.
Last year\'s draft class was a mixed bag for the Steelers. Injuries kept first round guard David DeCastro out until the final four games, but he has considerable promise. Character concerns will be even more paramount for the team in 2013 after nose tackle Alameda Ta\'amu led Pittsburgh Police on a car chase. He was charged with DUI and subsequently is on probation. Running back Chris Rainey, who was a very good return man and showed some promise as a change of pace back from scrimmage last year was released after an incident with his girlfriend in Florida.
A character concern coming into the draft caused Mike Adams to fall to the second round to Pittsburgh. When the Steelers had a 100-yard running back three times last season, Adams was at right tackle. The Steelers hope he can avoid injury and become a consistent road grader there as they try to get back to being a consistently good running team. His pass protection still needs work, however, as speed rushers can give him fits.
Inside linebacker Sean Spence may not yet be ready for 2013 after sustaining a horrific knee injury in the preseason a year ago. Tight end David Paulson made the team and got some significant playing time behind Heath Miller. Offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum was a find in the seventh round and played well when called upon at tackle and guard when the Steelers suffered their seemingly annual offensive line injury issues.
The Steelers, who build primarily through the draft, typically like to take the top rated player on their board regardless of position. That should not be difficult for them to do this year, due to all of their needs, and the age of their team at many positions, where some young athleticism would be welcomed over the next couple of years. If the opportunity presents itself, the Steelers may trade down to try to get more picks and address even more needs throughout the course of the three-day draft affair.
They likely will not go for a QB until the middle rounds, and they will also likely stay off of offensive line early due to the high round talent infusion over the last several years, but if someone falls to them like DeCastro did last year at number 17 this year, it could give them pause.
The following is a 2013 \"Fantasy Draft\" for the Pittsburgh Steelers:
Round 1., Pick # 17 – Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida St. – The focus at the cornerback position has been young nickel back Cortez Allen taking over for the departed Lewis. However, veteran Ike Taylor is thirty - three years old and could hit the wall at any time, as he tries to stay with the NFL\'s fleet receivers. The Steelers could need a new starter opposite Allen as soon as 2014. Enter Rhodes, who is an outstanding all-around prospect coming out as a junior. He has a frame in the Mel Blount, Rod Woodson mold at 6\'1\", 215 lbs. Rhodes can support against the run, while also having the hips, speed, and athleticism to turn and run with receivers while providing good coverage. Certainly, to mention Rhodes in a conversation with Blount and Woodson is extremely premature, but he has a ton of potential and the making of an excellent football player for years to come.
Round 2., Pick # 48 – D. J. Swearinger, S, South Carolina – The Steelers are extremely old at safety with Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. Even though both still possess Pro Bowl cache, some new talented blood is needed. It is a matter of when, not if Polamalu becomes a cap casualty at some point. Pittsburgh lost both backup safeties to free agency. The team feels that safety Robert Golden has some promise, but he is still largely an unknown. Swearinger is an intimidating, instinctive playmaker from the SEC. He can be overly aggressive at times, but the rewards often far outweigh the risks...sound familiar? He can play at either safety position, which is a plus, in terms of both personnel, as well as, coverage and blitz options for Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau. Swearinger could play in nickel and dime defenses this year while tearing up special teams and be ready for a starting spot in 2014
Round 3., Pick # 79 – Sio Moore, LB, Connecticut – Moore is a bit like Head Coach Mike Tomlin\'s first ever pick with the Steelers, Lawrence Timmons - a \"run and hit\" linebacker. He is not the master of any one skill, whether it be rushing the passer, or being stout against the run, but during the course of a game, he just makes plays, whether it be beating a 300 lb. tackle on the edge or shedding a block and stopping the ball carrier. Moore can do it all, but he has to develop more consistency against better competition than he went against in the Big East. He has a nasty demeanor which should fit in well with a defense losing Harrison. Moore does not have ideal size at 6\'1\", 245 lbs. to play outside in a 3-4, but he can add 10 - 15 lbs. and adapt to that position in the NFL. If he would not make it outside, he could always move inside to replace Foote. The Steelers need another playmaking linebacker with attitude - and Moore fits the bill.
Round 4., Pick # 115 – Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M – The Steelers are trying to avoid any character concerns this year, but when perhaps the most talented back in the draft is available in the fourth round at a position of need - no less - you pounce on the opportunity. Michael runs with speed and power with a 4.47 in the forty and a 5\'10\", 220 lb. frame. He can be a lead back and handle 20 carries a game while also being a factor in the passing game. His talent did not produce the expected results at A&M, as he often found himself in the dog house. However, if he can turn things around from an attitude perspective going from college to the pros like former Steelers running back Willie Parker did, Pittsburgh could have itself a legit threat at running back.
Round 5., Pick # 150 – Tavarres King, WR, Georgia – Pittsburgh could certainly pick a receiver a lot higher than this, with possibly even Cordarrelle Patterson or Tavon Austin in the first round, but the team has had considerable success picking receivers in the mid to late rounds. Wallace and Sanders were third - round picks, while Antonio Brown was a sixth - rounder. King is a speedy, angular receiver who could be Sanders\' replacement as soon as next season. He can get deep, as his career 19 - yard per catch average in the SEC demonstrates. King will need to refine his route running and show toughness breaking away from NFL defensive backs and going across the middle. As a work in progress, he has a lot of upside while bringing a big play threat and ability.
Round 6., Pick # 186 – Montori Hughes, NT, Tennessee - Martin – Hughes could be a poor man\'s Dontari Poe as a nose tackle, bringing considerable ability after playing at a lower level of football after washing out at a major program (Tennessee) earlier in his career. He has a massive frame at 6\'4\", 330 lbs. that would look good on the nose of an NFL defensive line. Hughes is far from a finished product, as his technique needs work going from Tenessee - Martin to the NFL, as he stands up too much, but he has the ability to anchor a team defensively against the run. He could be a rotation player for the Steelers providing depth as McClendon has never held the full - time nose tackle job before and Ta\'amu is one more mistake away from being a former Steeler.
Round 6., Pick # 206 (compensatory pick) – Kapron Lewis - Moore, DE, Notre Dame – This could be a pick with more of 2014 being in mind than 2013, as Lewis - Moore tore his ACL in the national championship game against Alabama. Until his injury, the big, 6\'4\", 298 lbs., natural 3-4 defensive end was one of the primary reasons for Notre Dame having one of the best defenses in the country. Lewis - Moore has a great attitude and brings a lot of leadership to a team. He is stout against the run and occupies offensive linemen well, allowing the linebackers to make plays - perfect for Pittsburgh\'s 3-4 scheme. Defensive end Brett Keisel is not getting any younger, Ziggy Hood is an impending free agent to be in 2014, and former first - round pick Cameron Heyward has yet to establish himself as a full time, consistent starting end. The Steelers getting a late value pick here with a quality player coming off of injury could prove to be invaluable.
Round 7., Pick # 223 – John Wetzel, OT, Boston College – The Steelers are always looking for tough, big - bodied linemen who have the ability to play multiple positions. At this point in the draft, Wetzel fits the mold - he is big at 6\'7\", 315 lbs. and started at left tackle for Boston College in 2011, but moved to the right side in 2012 and was a better player this past season. He is considered as somewhat of a plodder and does not figure as a starting left tackle in the NFL, which is why he will be a later round pick. That said, his experience and size may allow him to be an effective swing tackle off of the bench for the Steelers. Wetzel could either be a bench lineman this year along with Beachum and John Malecki, or at worst, be a good practice squad candidate who could be ready to earn a roster spot in 2014 after a year of seasoning.
For a team like the Steelers, no one draft can address all of the team\'s immediate and future needs, but the organization is looking for prospects that can provide an impact sooner as opposed to later, who will also merit being resigned after their rookie deals. There have been more busts over the last five years which directly led to playoff failures and the mediocrity that the team currently finds itself in.
GM Kevin Colbert and Tomlin will look to improve depth at some positions via the second wave of free agency - post draft - with perhaps a veteran receiver and running back, possibly even a pass rusher and maybe even find a starter or two. However, the Steelers do their damage in the draft and the 2013 haul will be as pivotal as ever to the team\'s ability to consistently contend for the playoffs.