Steelers Wrap Up Draft With Three Picks, Including Shipley

The Steelers wrap up to the 2009 Draft led them to drafting a local product, as well as a defensive tackle and a tight end. The defensive tackle was Ra’Shon Harris, who they took in the 6th round with the 32nd pick and the 205th pick overall. Harris is 6-feet, 5-inches tall and weighs 300 pounds. Here’s the lowdown on Harris:

After redshirting the 2004 season, Harris saw limited action in 12 games in 2005. As a sophomore, Harris suffered a torn triceps muscle before the season. Originally, he was expected to miss the entire season, but he returned for the final six games of 2006, recording three total tackles. Harris began to make more of an impact as a junior, finishing the season with 15 total tackles after recording just three in his first two seasons with the Ducks. He had a career-high four total tackles against UCLA, more than he’d had in his first two seasons combined. In 2008, Harris became a starter for the first time, recording 47 total tackles (9.0 for loss) and 3.0 sacks. He had 11 total tackles in a loss to Boise State, easily the most of his career. After the 2008 season, Harris was invited to participate in the 2009 East-West Shrine Game, where he recorded three total tackles in a losing effort for the West team.

As for the local product, it was center A.Q. Shipley, who comes to the team from Penn State. The Steelers took him with the first of their two 7th round picks, the 17th of the round from Tampa Bay, and the 226th pick overall of the draft. The Steelers had talked to Shipley, and liked what they saw out of him and think that he can help the O-line and add some depth.

He’s from Beaver County, and the 6-1, 300 pounder will have plenty of local support this summer at Steelers mini-camp. Here’s the report from Rivals.com on Shipley:

Positives: Plays relentlessly and wears down the competition. Rises to a challenge and fared well against Ohio State and USC. Gets into blocks quickly and plays on his feet with very good balance, agility and athleticism. Smart — makes all line calls. Good technician. Sees the blitz. Takes great angles. Plays with consistent leverage and can control defenders with quick hands and strong upper body. Very quick working to second level to cut off linebackers. Extremely competitive. Very durable.

Negatives: Does not look the part — was the only offensive lineman whose arms measured shorter than 30 inches at the Combine. Not explosive off the ball and will struggle to generate movement by himself in the running game. Lacks anchor strength and needs help to handle big-bodied, two-gap defensive tackles. Will require help in pass protection. Only can play one position.

Summary: Very competitive overachiever with tenacity, competitiveness and desire that continually shows up on tape. Comes from a program rich in producing NFL centers and should be able to overcome his size limitations and enrich the tradition. Could fight for a starting job and become a solid pro.

Grade: Late draftable prospect.

Finally, the team took a tight end with their last pick, David Johnson from Arkansas State. He was the 32nd pick of the 7th round, and the 241st pick overall in the draft. Johnson is 6-2, 250, and was on Phil Steele’s 2008 Preseason Third Team All-Sun Belt Conference. This past season he had 22 catches for 356 yards with five touchdowns. Overall in his college career, he had 45 grabs for 760 yards and 9 scores.