I don't see the Steelers taking a WR in the 1st ev...

2006-02-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

I don't see the Steelers taking a WR in the 1st even if they lose Randle El.

Randle El won't be missed as a WR and he will be overpaid as a 2nd WR.

Remember, the Steelers are a run first team no matter who the QB is. Ben has Hines Ward, Heath Miller, and Cedric Wilson. These guys can do just fine in a run oriented offense.

I see the first pick filling either the Safety or CB position. They might take a chance on CB Antonio Cromartie or Safety Ko Simpson.

They need a cover corner. Ike Taylor is a decent CB, but he isn't that shut down corner they need. He will also demand big bucs next year and the Steelers would like to pass if they could (he won't be worth it). Cromartie, as long as he does well in the combines, could also fill the PR/KR void that Randle El left behind.

Chris Hope is a free agent who the Steelers may not sign. His price tag will be inflated because of being a Super Bowl winner and the Steelers don't overpay for their players. Hope will get offered more than the Steelers care to offer. Ko Simpson can move in a fill Hope's void.

Also, watch the Steelers to pick up either Mangold or Elsinger at center in the 2nd round. One of Hartings or Okobi will be released because of cap space.

My last prediction is a 3rd round pick of Michael Robinson or Randy McNeal. With either of these two, Randle El won't be missed.

The Steelers will also get compensation picks for free agents lost last year (Kendrell Bell, Plaxico Burress, and others). They'll use those picks to get a LB,OL,DL, or 3rd string QB.

The Steelers could have as many as 5 1st day picks, from what I understand.

Comments on Fantasy Footblog: GT's 2006 NFL Mock Draft (2/16/06)

I don't see the Steelers taking a WR in the 1st ev...