PSR Showdown
What The Steelers Need To Do . . . For Next Season

Replace Plex…Finally
By Guy Junker
ESPN Radio

Plaxico Burress had barely dropped the most important pass of his Steelers' career when he started to drop some bombs on the Steelers' offense and his role - or lack of same - in it. It was in the dank aftermath of the loss to the Patriots in last year's AFC title game at Heinz Field. Burress was eventually allowed to walk the path of free agency and signed with the Giants. The Steelers' answer to the void was to sign Cedrick Wilson and promote Antwaan Randle El to a starting wideout position.

Not that Burress should have been re-signed. He burned his bridges with his comments after the AFC Championship game. Moreover, he was financially an impossibility-especially if the Steelers were also going to sign Hines Ward. But make no mistake about it, Plex left a hole that should be the Steelers top priority this off-season.

With the addition of a legitimate deep threat, the Steelers would have as complete an offense as there is in the NFL this season. This side of Indianapolis anyway. Ben Roethlisberger is still developing as a quarterback, but he has all the physical and mental skills to be a star. Heath Miller has all the tools as well, catching as all the scouts knew he could, and blocking like the Steelers hoped he could and certainly needed him to. Even if Jerome Bettis retires and the bulk of the running duties are left to Willie Parker and Duce Staley, that is a more than workable duo that most teams in the league would be happy to have.

Hines Ward is as complete an all-around receiver as there is in the league. But whether or not he likes the label, he's a possession guy. A great one, but a possession guy. And Antwaan Randle El can be excellent as a slot receiver, but he's no number one or two receiver.

It's clear that to complete the skill position set, the Steelers need a guy who draws double coverage. They need a guy who makes opposing defensive coordinators stay up late. Plex did that, and this team misses that. That kind of guy can be obtained only with a high draft pick or through free agency.

I would suggest this time, though, the Steelers go after one that is willing to practice on Mother's Day.

Guy Junker battles Eddy Crow every weekday from 10-1 on ESPN Radio 1250.

Linebackers Needed
By Eddy Crow
ESPN Radio

Even with the playoff run in full gallop, it's never too early to examine the Steelers needs at draft time. Kevin Colbert, Bill Cowher and the Steelers scouts will run down the roster and for the sake of the program, they should take a long look at the linebackers. There are linebacking needs brewing, maybe not this year, but who knows? Remember the adage: you're only one play away. Ben was supposed to hold a clipboard last season, remember?

Look at Joey Porter, James Farrior, Clark Haggans and Larry Foote. From the age aspect, left inside backer Farrior has nine years in the league, and right outside backer Porter is in his seventh. In his sixth season, Clark Haggans should be solid for another two years or so. Larry Foote is a youngster, just four years in the league.

Farrior's age may show soon, but it has not yet this year, as he is the runaway leader in team tackles. For the Steelers' 3-4 defense to be productive, the linebackers need to make most of the stops - of all the starters, Porter is bringing up the rear. The joke about his getting shot in the butt affecting his play would normally go here, but you've already heard it.

Behind Porter on the depth chart is Andre Frazier, who's made some impact on special teams, but could be a year or more away from being counted on as a starter. Same goes for Rian "Goo" Wallace, who spends time backing up Larry Foote. Haggans' back-up is the dependable James Harrison, but coaches love the depth he provides from the bench. Elder statesman Farrior is spelled by seven-year vet Clint Kriewaldt. After seven years in the league, if Kriewaldt were capable of starting, he would be.

The Steelers would have no problem finding two solid linebackers from this year's draft-class to bring into the system. The upper half of the draft looks to have eight or 10 to choose from, and the clock is ticking. Farrior's age will become more of a factor sooner than later. The left side is potentially deep, if you don't count Joey's butt issue, but it will need someone soon. The Steelers might as well get it done now.

Eddy Crow fights back as co-host of the Junker & Crow Show, airing on ESPN Radio 1250.