With the loss of Antwan Randle-El in free agency Pittsburgh hoped to replace
his pass catching and punt return production. They may have done both with two
of their first three selections. The team targeted Santonio Holmes and
moved up in round one to select him. Holmes is a polished pass catcher who could
quickly move into the starting line-up. Willie Reid is a developing pass
catcher and devastating return specialist. Reid could produce as a second wide
out and impact returning punts this season. He offers terrific upside and his
best football is ahead of him. Anthony Smith fits a need at free safety,
though round three was a bit early for his services. The same can be said for Willie Colon, a solid guard who would’ve been available later in the draft but a
prospect with terrific upside. Orien Harris was worth a fourth round
pick. Besides the need to learn a two-gap system, Harris must pick up his
consistency. Omar Jacobs was great value in round five and could develop
into trade bait down the road. Charles Davis was a solid selection and
has potential as a third tight end. Marvin Philip was good value in round
six and offers a young body at center. The teams has always found ways to
manufacture running backs and Cedric Humes could be the big bodied
replacement for Jerome Bettis if he stays healthy.
The Steelers gave away selections in round three and four in order to move up
seven slots and draft Holmes, a hefty price. They did pick up a third rounder
after sliding down 19 slots in round two.
|
Rd |
Sel# |
Player |
Pos. |
School |
|
1 |
25 |
Holmes, Santonio |
WR |
Ohio St |
|
3 |
83 |
Smith, Anthony |
FS |
Syracuse |
|
3 |
95 |
Reid, Willie |
WR |
Florida St |
|
4 |
131 |
Colon, Willie |
G |
Hofstra |
|
4 |
133 |
Harris, Orien |
DT |
Miami (Fla.) |
|
5 |
164 |
Jacobs, Omar |
QB |
Bowling Green |
|
5 |
167 |
Davis, Charles |
TE |
Purdue |
|
6 |
201 |
Philip, Marvin |
C |
California |
|
7 |
240 |
Humes, Cedric |
RB |
Virginia Tech |