FUTURE STEELER? Dan Morgan OLB Miami 6'2 235 lbs 4.55

There are a few players at each position I think I would really be happy with. I am going to list the players, a one line blurb and the round they are expected to go in. I'll keep it to the minimum, but on the DL and LB there are a few more.

Quarterback
Marques Tuiasosopo 6-1 215 4.8 Washington-Tui has the elusive traits the Steelers coaches like. He can move and throw. He does not have the big time cannon, but does deliver the ball quickly. 5th or later.

Josh Heupel 6-2 215 4.8 Oklahoma-a solid playmaker with big arm strength questions. He is better in the short and intermediate game and will more than likely be a free agent. A solid FA addition. Rookie Free Agent.

Runningback
Lamont Jordan 5-10 235 4.5 Maryland -I think Jordan is the BEST back in this draft. He runs with good speed and power. He has nice hands and is the type of player that will run down the sideline and make contact instead of dancing out of bounds. He SHOULD go in the 1st. 2nd round.

Derek Combs 6-0 190 4.45 Ohio State-Nice all around RB with good speed. He is a threat to take it the distance and has solid size. He could be used as a kick returner and has nice hands. A solid 3rd down back. 6th round.

Wide Receiver
Bobby Newcombe 5-10 190 4.5 Nebraska-Newcombe is 2 inches shorter than Hines Ward, but will develop into the SAME type of player. He has the ability to hurt you on any play. A fantastic athlete and guy that can play QB/RB/WR, just like Stewart and Hines. 4th-5th round.

Jon Carter 5-11 175 4.45 Troy State-Solid size and speed. A big playmaker on the edge. He needs work, but could become a nice 4th/5th WR. Rookie Free Agent.

Shawn Mills 6-0 185 4.45 Southern Mississippi-Mills is a thin fast WR that is along the lines of Kevin Johnson of the Browns. He needs some work, but could be the edge receiver we need. Rookie Free Agent.

John Capel 5-11 180 4.35 Florida-Pure speed. No other way to say it. He is speed, speed, and more speed. Everything else needs work. He could be a nice edge receiver. Rookie Free Agent.

Offensive Line
Kenyatta Jones 6-4 310 5.1 South Florida-OT-This is a little tougher as OTs in the later rounds are projects, but we need a project. Jones is a FINE athlete with some good skills. It is said he could develop into a starter and is worth the risk. 6th round.

Scott Kempenich 6-5 300 5.3 Oklahoma-OT-protected Heupel's blindside. He has some good skills and would probably never be more than a backup, but should be a solid backup as he has played various line positions. Rookie Free Agent.

Marques McFadden 6-4 315 5.3 Arizona-OG-This is really great for anyone who takes McFadden. In 2000, he was called on of the best OGs in the country. Arizona needed him at OT and he moved. Now, they act like he is a bum. Welcome to the Steelers home for wayward OGs that everyone wants after we showcase them. 7th round.

Chukky Okobi 6-1 315 5.2 Purdue-G/C-Okobi is a solid center that handled the pro style offense under Brees. He does not have the athletic ability of some others, but is blue collar and could develop into a starter in the future. Rookie Free Agent.

Bruce Wiggins 6-2 280 5.1 Arizona State-G/C-I really do not understand this one. Wiggins battled an ankle injury early. He came into this season as one of the top rated centers. He is a little light, but has fine footwork and excellent strength. If the Steelers are lucky enough to get Wiggins, he will be a great center for us in the future. Rookie Free Agent.

Defensive Line
Mario Fatefehi 6-2 290 5.1 Kansas State-has nice quicks and nice power. He could play inside or outside in the 3-4, but I really think he could be a great NT. 4th round.

Mario Monds 6-3 330 5.0 Cincinnati-Although I have only had limited opportunity to see Monds, his is a massive man and couples that with good quickness. Has been banged up and this hurts his stock. 4th round.

Willie Blade 6-2 315 4.9 Mississippi State-A pure NT in every sense of the word. He is not going to play outside of the tackles, but we do not need a NT that moves outside the OTs. 5th round.

Ron Edwards 6-3 290 4.8 Texas A&M-Played every position on the line, but played NT mostly. He is a little shy in the weight department, but has room to grow. Very nice speed and solid power. 5th round. (great sleeper)

Now, many will ask about the top DTs, the closer we get to this draft the less I think they are worthy. I really do not see the Corey Simon type DT in this draft and think there will be some upset teams in 2 seasons.

Linebacker
Kendrell Bell 6-1 240 4.6 Georgia-Solid interior backer that has all the physical tools and should develop into a good pro. 2nd round.

Torrance Marshall 6-2 245 4.55 Oklahoma-One of the most athletically gifted LBs in this draft. Probably the best in pass coverage, but needs to improve some against the run.

Brandon Spoon 6-2 245 4.75 North Carolina-A pure athlete. He has the potential to be a great pro, but needs to improve. He is a little rough around the edges. 3rd-4th Round.

Carlos Polk 6-2 250 4.7 Nebraska-Polk went from everyone's poster child for MLBs to the middle of the pack. He does not workout as well as others, but they do not play as well as he does. One of the most polished LBs in this draft. 4th round.

Dan Morgan 6-2 235 4.55 Miami (Fla.)-The best all around LB in this draft. He has played inside and outside. He is a rookie starter. 1st round (Top 12).

Riall Johnson 6-3 240 4.8 Stanford-A small DE that will go undrafted because of his obvious TWEENER role. Too small for a DE and too raw for a 4-3 OLB. A perfect backup for Porter. Rookie Free Agent.

Defensive Backs
Fred Smoot 5-11 170 4.5 Mississippi State-The most polished corner in this draft. A day one starter with Pro Bowl potential. In the mold of Sam Madison and Samari Rolle. 1st round.

Will Allen 5-10 195 4.35 Syracuse-Steelers are big on Allen. He is a physical speciman that needs to get a little better. With a year as the nickel backer, he should be fine.

Willie Middlebrooks 6-1 200 4.5 Minnesota-He would have went top 15 if he returned for his senior season. He needs more time on the field to develop. This fits well with the Steelers situation. A good all around player. 2nd round.

Now, with all this out there and assuming every player is there when I pick, here is my draft:
1-Dan Morgan
2-Will Allen
4-Mario Fatafehi
5-Ron Edwards
6-Kenyatta Jones
7-Josh Heupel

Free Agents: Wiggins, Johnson, and Jon Carter. I intentionally left out early DTs and QBs, because I think the draft is almost as good later. No Safeties and TEs, we have the motherlode now.

------------------
Crushing the Competition

www.footballcorner.bizland.com

by TMC (April 8, 01)