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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Pittsburgh Steelers "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (1-32) Evander “Ziggy” Hood, DE (Missouri): Considered to be a top talent at defensive tackle, look for Hood to slide to defensive end in the Steelers' defense. He won’t crack the starting lineup this season, but will see the field as a rookie and should work his way into the starting lineup in a year or two. Hood has the skills—size, and strength—to fit that 5-technique position, with more explosiveness than your typical 3-4 end. The Steelers are a little long in the tooth at this position and Hood will provided some much-needed youth.
(3-79) Kraig Urbik, G (Wisconsin): What is there not to love about this pick? Urbik might not have the athletic skills of some others at the position, but he can flat out block and knows how to play the game. He will be a 10-year starter for the Steelers, mark it down. He may start sooner as opposed to later and figures to push the incumbents at both guard spots. He was great all week at the Senior Bowl, especially when he held his own against B.J. Raji in one-on-one drills. Urbik has the lunch-pail attitude and mentality that screams Steel City. (Pick From Denver)
(3-84) Mike Wallace, WR (Ole Miss): This was an excellent pick by the Steelers. Wallace has the potential to start in the NFL with his great speed, however he needs to be more consistent. In Pittsburgh he can be groomed patiently behind seasoned veteran Hines Ward and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes. Wallace should be used as the team's punt and kick returner next year and could take a lot of catches away from last year’s second round pick Limas Sweed. He will replace Nate Washington’s ability to stretch the field. (Pick From Chicago via Denver)
(3-96) Keenan Lewis, CB (Oregon State): Lewis is a big, physical corner that plays the game aggressively and intelligently. The Steelers have solid starting corners in Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend, but they needed some depth at the position. Lewis should challenge William Gay for the nickel back position next season and don’t be surprised if presses the starters for playing time as well, particularly the aging Townsend. Lewis is long and lanky and is not at all afraid to creep up towards the line of scrimmage to mix it up. Lewis is our eighth rated corner and to pick him up with the 96th pick was true bargain.
 (5-168) Joe Burnett, CB (Central Florida): Most evaluators felt the Steelers needed to add depth at the corner position and the Steelers obviously did too. Pittsburgh used back to back picks on corners, selecting UCF’s Joe Burnett after taking Keenan Lewis in the third round. Burnett doesn’t have the size that the Steelers usually look for in a corner, but he is very athletic and has great ball skills. He will compete for a spot in the dime package and has punt return ability in the NFL.
(5-169) Frank Summers, RB (UNLV): Summers is a powerful, hard-nosed runner that could be a good short yardage back for the Steelers. He could also be a big upgrade at the fullback position. The former Running Rebel probably won't be ready to contribute much as a fullback in year one, but that might ultimately be his position as a professional. He is yet another player who fits the Pittsburgh Steelers brand of football. (Compensatory Pick)
(6-205) Ra’Shon Harris, DE (Oregon): Harris started only one year at Oregon, but he is a large man who has the size to play on a three-four line. He had a solid season and showed some potential upside. Like Hood, he is quick but must get stronger to handle NFL blockers and will most likely move to end.
(7-226) A.Q. Shipley, C (Penn State): There was a lot of talk that the Steelers might select Alex Mack or Eric Wood with their first round pick, but both were taken before the 32nd pick. Shipley isn’t as talented or as big as either of the first round guys, but he did have a solid career at Penn State. Our fourth ranked center provided great value in the seventh round. He will make the team as a back-up, with the potential to start in the future…Shipley is a football player.
(7-241) David Johnson, TE (Arkansas State): With their last pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Steelers selected a very athletic tight end with the ability to stretch the field. He is a good receiver but lacks the ability to hold blocks. He will have to impress the coaches during training camp and the pre-season to have a shot at getting on the field during the regular season. But this was a nice developmental pick in the seventh round.
Team Need: OT, CB, DE, WR, OG, QB
Needs Filled: Four out of six.
The Bible’s Take: The defending champs were pretty stacked going into the draft and as usual, they managed to land some very talented players despite picking at the end of each round. It looks as if they may have only landed one potential starter for the 2009 season, guard Kraig Urbik, with several others that will contribute next season and start down the road. Hood and Lewis should add solid depth and will be used in certain defensive packages. Wallace will be used as the number four receiver and will challenge Limas Sweed for the number three spot. He will more than likely handle the return responsibilities too, which should allow Holmes to become more productive as a receiver. There aren't many big names here, but they filled needs with players who fit their brand of football.
Grade: A-
Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations, College Press Box (UCF)
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