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The NFL Draft Countdown is where we take a closer look at an NFL franchise to see what its transactions have been and what its needs are.
Franchise
- Draft Position: 18
- 2009 Season Result: 9-7 (3rd in AFC North; Missed Playoffs)
- 2009 Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 2010 Head Coach: Mike Tomlin (31-17; 3-1)
Key Transactions
- RB Willie Parker (to WAS)
- WR Arnaz Battle (from SF)
- WR Antwaan Randle El (from WAS)
- LB Larry Foote (from DET)
Draft Picks
- 1-18
- 2-20
- 3-18
- 4-18
- 5-20
- 5-33
- 5-35
- 6-19
- 7-18
- 7-35
Analysis & Outlook
After winning the Super Bowl, the Steelers had a disappointing season. This offseason, the Steelers have been plagued by off-the-field issues (with QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Santonio Holmes) again. To help their chances, the Steelers brought back familiar faces WR Antwaan Randle El and LB Larry Foote.
On offense, the Steelers will look to replace the loss of RB Willie Parker and get some more help along the offensive line.
On defense, the Steelers were a top run defense again, but they showed a lot of weaknesses without S Troy Polamalu.
The Steelers go for the best player on the board and they’re in a pretty good spot in the middle of the first round. Their options will include O-Linemen like Mike Iupati and Maurkice Pouncey, CB Kyle Wilson and S Earl Thomas. I think they’ll go with an O-Lineman who can help with their running game. In the second round, look for them to address the secondary with a player like S Myron Rolle or Major Wright. They’ll look for more O-Lineman, defensive secondary players and a WR in the later phase of the draft.
The Steelers are in a favorable position to make a comeback to success in 2010 after finishing 3rd in the division last season. We’ll need to see what comes out of the Roethlisberger situation but I think he’ll play and have a great season. RB Rashard Mendenhall will need to prove that he can carry the bulk of the carries and bring more balance to that offense.