I see a lot of draft grades on the Pittsburgh Steelers that are average to less than average. The thing to remember about his team, is that they have a system in place, and they go out and get players thy think can player the Steeler way. When we view their 2010 draft class through that filter, it look a heck of a lot better. They addressed their biggest need with the first pick, and went out and found depth and guys with big upside who they plan to develop into starters down the road.
In terms of immediate impact it seems only Maurkice Pouncey will give that to this team. He will step in and likely play guard, while he waits to one day take over for Center Jeff Hartings. Their second round pick, OLB Jason Worilds (52), will get a chance to develop into a starting job as he learns the job from pro bowlers James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley. Maybe the immediate impact grade should be low, but long term this looks like a great draft for the Steelers. In the later rounds they got depth and special teams guys, but scored a home run with RB Jonathan Dwyer who fell to them in the sixth round because he played in a goofy offense at Georgia Tech, He steps into be their fullback and short yardage back.
With that being said here is a look at the initial grades of the 2010 Steelers draft class:
• Round One – A, Pouncey gives the team a std at an area of need • Round Two – B, Worilds is a prospect with big upside, and an opportunity to develop •Need- A, they filled their biggest need and then drafted depth •Talent- A-, many of their ten picks have big upside and could flourish in the Steeler system •Average- A-
Related Links:
• Pittsburgh Steelers news and notes • 2010 NFL Draft team initial grades • The Business of the NFL •MTR Football.com