Steelers Select DT Evander Hood w/ 32nd Pick

The Steelers couldn’t take Alex Mack (Cleveland), and they didn’t go corner.  Instead, they took the shot at #32 to address the defensive line as they selected Evander “Ziggy” Hood from Missouri.

Hood is 6-2, and goes about 300 pounds.  The Steelers wanted to address the O-line and secondary, and the D-line was another area they wanted to upgrade with some youth.

Here’s Hood’s lowdown from Draft Countdown:
Strengths:
Very good size and bulk…Naturally athletic…Active with a non-stop motor…Excellent speed and quickness…Uses his hands well…Strong with some power…Nice instincts and awareness…Stout at the point of attack…Gets upfield and can collapse the pocket…Does a good job in pursuit…Explosive with a burst to close…Sudden off the snap…Has a lot of experience…Extremely coachable…Hard worker…Team leader.

Weaknesses:

Plays too tall at times…Doesn’t always use proper leverage…May not be a difference maker..Self-made player..Jack-of-all-trades but master of none … Has some minor durability concerns … Average production.

Notes:

Nickname is “Ziggy”…Was a three-year starter in the Big 12…Avid participant in the Tiger strength program and has added 40-45 pounds to his frame since he first set foot on campus…Missed time with a broken foot in 2006…The type who does everything well but nothing great…With a solid set of physical tools and top-notch intangibles there really isn’t much not to like about this guy…Might never be a star but will play and contribute in the NFL for a long time.