Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 NFL Draft Review

Sports Network | April 26, 2009

(Sports Network) -

1 - Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DT, Missouri (6-3, 300); 3 - Kraig Urbik, OL, Wisconsin (6-5, 328); 3 - Mike Wallace, WR, Ole Miss (6-0, 199); 3 - Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon State (6-1, 208); 5 - Joe Burnett, CB/RS, Central Florida (5-9, 192); 5 - Frank Summers, RB, UNLV (5-9, 243); 6 - Sonny Harris, DT, Oregon (6-4, 297); 7 - A.Q. Shipley, C, Penn State (6-1, 304); 7 - D.J. Johnson, TE, Arkansas State (6-2, 260)

Analysis: It was thought that the Steelers would take the best offensive tackle available at the No. 32 spot, but Pittsburgh became yet another team that ignored the likes of Arizona's Eben Britton to select the defensive lineman Hood. The pick makes some sense, given the age of Steelers linemen Casey Hampton (32) and Aaron Smith (33), though Ben Roethlisberger probably won't cut down on his Advil supply while playing behind Pittsburgh's shaky o- line again in '09. The Steelers did address the line with its third-round pick, and though Urbik is listed by most services as a guard, he could eventually develop into a tackle at the next level. Wallace, more of a kick returner than receiver, was a third-round reach. Lewis is a big corner but is not viewed as being tough, and will need some polish. Like Wallace, Burnett's best chance as a return guy. The fire hydrant-like Summers is a fullback candidate.

Bottom Line: Steelers didn't need a ton of immediate impact players, but could have done better in shoring up the offensive line and secondary.

Grade: C+