50-YARD LINE

    Tonight the first round of the NFL Draft kicks off in Chicago. The entire draft weekend runs from April 30-May 2. Our Pittsburgh Steelers have 8 total selections and many, many needs. Today, Mrs. Black-N-Gold takes a look at some of the needs the Steelers may fill beginning with their first selection, the 22nd overall pick this evening.

     No doubt about it, the Steelers needs begin with the letter "D", especially since the defense looked so dismal at times last season. They're also looking to replace some veterans that are no longer with the team mainly S Troy Polamalu, CB Ike Taylor, DE Brett Keisel and OLB Jason Worilds. The Steelers do have internal options but some of them such as S Sharmarko Thomas, DL Daniel McCullers, DE Stephon Tuitt and OLB Jarvis Jones are unproven.

     The Steelers have brought in many defensive players for visits leading up to the draft. A few are as noted for their off-field issues as they are for their play on the field, notably CB Marcus Peters(kicked off team) and DE/OLB Randy Gregory(marijuana). In today's NFL, you have to weed (pun intended) through the baggage and roll the dice.

     The Steelers are expected to draft cornerback and/or outside linebacker early, possibly in the first round. The Steelers haven't drafted a corner in the first round since 1997. Since this draft is looked upon as deep at outside linebacker, the Steelers should take a pass on OLB in the first round (maybe even the second round, too) and get themselves a shutdown corner. In this day and age of pass-happy offenses, you need a man who can cut the field in half for the defense.

     While the Steelers definitely need to go "D" in this draft, they do have some depth issues on the offense, as well. It's time to find a replacement for TE Heath Miller. Get a man in there now so Heath can help groom him. Also, considering the scramble for a replacement when RB Le'Veon Bell was hurt last year, and the fact that backup DeAngelo Williams is injury-prone, you need some depth at that position, as well.

     Should the Steelers do any trading up or down in this draft? That remains to be scene. However, draft picks are looked upon as oh-so valuable in today's NFL. It would be best to hold onto what you've got unless your trading up for a sure thing. If you can get more picks and still get your man, then, sure trade down. Just don't waste your picks. The Steelers have had a bad habit for many years of cutting multiple picks before they even lineup for the Black-N-Gold. Choose wisely, choose carefully. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!