Mrs. Black-N-Gold would not be disappointed if the Steelers used all of this year's draft picks on defense, because their needs on that side of the ball are plentiful. She recently read an article that discussed "if" they want to draft a cornerback, there are many options to be had. What do you mean "if"? True, the Steelers are resigned to stick with the much-maligned Cortez Allen, he of the recent big contract extension. They also seem likely to go with veteran William Gay on the opposite side. Antwon Blake filled in admirably last season but can he continue to do so if he gets the call? Considering the Steelers surrendered 27 passes or 40 yards or longer the past 2 season, I'd say they definitely need to draft a corner.
Of course, safety is a position of need, as well. Will this be the year that Shamarko Thomas shows why the Steelers traded up to draft him? Like CB Allen, the Steelers forged a financial commitment to Mike Mitchell and have to cross their fingers and hope he works out. There's no one else the Steelers can hang their hat on at safety. Better take a long hard look at that position in the draft, too.
The linebacker position is another big question mark. More so at outside linebacker. On one side they have the oft-injured, inexperienced former first-round pick, Jarvis Jones. Jason Worilds would be on the other side if the Steelers 1)tag him again or 2)sign to a long-team deal. Neither choice regarding Worlids is very prudent for the Steelers. He has been inconsistent and injured throughout his career. Sounds like another position they need to fill in the draft.
Inside linebacker isn't quite as bad as outside. At least they return Pro Bowler Lawrence Timmons. LT has the distinction of being Head Coach Mike Tomlin's first pick. He's one of the few that has panned out for the Steelers on defense. Who will play inside with LT? Ryan Shazier was drafted in the first round to do so last season but could not stay out of the trainer's room. Vince Williams and Sean Spence filled in capably. Actually, Mrs. Black-N-Gold likes Williams. Spence was on his way to looking like a keeper until he shredded his knee early in his career. He's been battling to get back onto the field ever since. Still, there's more depth at this position than most.
The defensive line will be anchored by rising star Cam Heyward. The Steelers will try to mix and match until they find the right combos to fit with Cam. Stephon Tuitt showed flashes in his rookie season of last year and will need to fill a bigger role this season. Depth on the line would not be a bad thing.
Mrs. Black-N-Gold read a mock draft prediction that has the Steelers taking a defensive end to fill the role of outside linebacker in the first round. This is nothing new as the Steelers have done this repeatedly through the years. But as more and more teams employ the 3-4 defense that the Steelers do, finding players to play that position becomes more difficult. Also, typically, it's a project-type player that they draft. The Steelers have too many needs on defense to afford themselves a project pick.
There is also the question of the Steelers "Final Four" on defense. You know who I mean, DE Brett Keisel, OLB James Harrison, S Troy Polamalu and CB Ike Taylor. Keisel and Harrison played brilliantly at times last season. Unfortunately, Da Beard's season ended on injured reserve with a torn triceps. This is the same injury that ended Aaron Smith's career a few years ago. Harrison recently announced his intention to play another season. Whether or not that is in Pittsburgh, remains to be seen. No one has heard what Troy and Ike intend to do. Mrs. Black-N-Gold loves all 4 of these players as much as the next Black-N-Gold bleeding, towel-waving, Iron City-swilling fan. However, do us all a favor and move on. There is a reason the youngsters aren't up to par yet and it's because they've been stuck behind these graybeards on the depth chart for far too long. Let them follow Coach LeBeau to Tennessee if they must. It's time to cut the chord.
Except for a few minor tweaks to the offense, that side of the ball is set. And in conclusion let me just say, Put the D back in the defense. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
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