Survivor I - Pittsburgh Steelers Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Positives - Pittsburgh finished first in the NFL in total defense last year. Their one weakness was at defensive back, but their 1st round draft choice, Bryant McFadden, as well as the continued improvement of young players, should help improve this area. Pittsburgh did not loose any impact player to free agency this year (Kendrell Bell only played in 3 games last year) so there’s no reason to think they can’t repeat last years performance and remain a top defense this season.

Negatives - It’s hard to remain a top defense in the NFL. If their weaknesses at DB have not been addressed effectively, they may find themselves mismatched against some of the better passing offenses in the league, many of which are on their schedule this year (New England, San Diego, Cincinnati (twice), Green Bay, Indianapolis, and Minnesota). If the Pittsburgh offense cannot perform at the same high level that it did a year ago, the defense may find itself on the field more in less advantageous field position.

Draft Strategy - I wasn’t planning on taking a defense this high, but finding the last of the elite defenses still available at this point provided too much value. I was tempted to take a second QB here, but hoped that one would drop to me with my next pick at the end of the 12th round. At the halfway point, I’m very pleased with my team. I have a top 5 QB, the top TE, a great group of RBs including Tomlinson, and a top defense. I’m not as pleased with my receivers, but knew there would be a penalty for taking Gonzalez. I just hope quantity will make up for quality and that a few of my undervalued selections will outperform their draft positions.