NFL.com breaks down day three for the Steelers, and gives their take on some background on the players the team picked.
Round 4, Pick 31 (128) Cortez Allen DB 6’1″ 197 Citadel 4.1
Pick Analysis: Allen is a long, rangy corner with the frame and skills to thrive in the Steelers’ scheme. He will compete for playing time as a nickel or dime defender and add some athleticism to their kicking units.
Round 5, Pick 31 (162) Chris Carter DL 6’1″ 248 Fresno St. 6.0
Pick Analysis: He is a versatile rush linebacker with speed and athleticism. The Steelers will hope that he can thrive as a special teamer while being groomed for a future role as a rusher in their lineup.
Round 6, Pick 31 (196) Keith Williams OL 6’4″ 318 Nebraska 3.2
Pick Analysis: The Steelers will be sure to get all they can out of Williams, whose work ethic is unquestioned, but he has room to improve in the NFL.
Round 7, Pick 29 (232) Baron Batch RB 5’9″ 200 Texas Tech —
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DrGeorge
May 2, 2011 at 4:24 pm
Picks #4-7 continued the theme of rebuilding the defense and the O-line, exactly what most of us hoped and expected. Although we took two CBs back to back, neither of them seems a likely replacement for McFadden; for that, the Steelers will have to go into the free agent pool, when that become possible.
A number of commentators have suggested that our picks seem geared toward a shift to the 2-4-5 alignment on defense. In fact, we already use that alignment sometimes on passing downs. The emergence of Sylvester at LB and the accent on lighter, faster CBs in the draft may indicate that we will be using it more often, with the added possibility of Sylvester or Fox replacing Farrior on passing downs.
Of the four picks above, Keith Williams would seem the best prepared to contribute significantly this year. He is a blue collar guy from a strong run-blocking team, and he has an excellent work ethic. He is not the most agile lineman, but he is strong and has the right mind set.
Baron Batch may be a 7th round pick, but he has more speed than Moore or Mendenhall. He doesn’t have Willy Parker’s elusiveness and his hands are small, but he could be a change of pace to Mendenhall and Redman, assuming he can make the team.
Over all, Colbert and the staff did well with the picks they had. Most knowledgable sports writers have given them a B+, and I would agree with that as a fair first impression.