What The Steelers Need
By Bill Toth
WJET and WFXP TV, Erie

When it comes to draft time and the Pittsburgh Steelers, I am a firm believer that it all starts up front with the offensive line. The obvious things are that both the running and passing games have a chance to excel with solid big men, but more importantly the Steelers can solidify that area for the next several years. Pittsburgh has drafted well along the line over the years - note Alan Faneca; but they've also drafted poorly - see Jermaine Stevens.

Ironically, I don't think that Pittsburgh's biggest need this year is the offensive line. It would have been if Cowher Power still ruled the steel city, but because there is a new sheriff in town that all changes.

From what I have heard, Mike Tomlin likes a little thing called the 4-3. As a result of that, the Steelers biggest need is defensive lineman. I know what you are saying: Dick Lebeau is still the defensive coordinator and we will still be running the 3-4. But if you believe that the Steelers won't change over to the 4-3 in the near future you might be on something. As we all know, this guy Tomlin is a disciple of Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith and guess what type of "D" they run? The 4-3 Cover 2. Tomlin has even indicated that there will be some form of his favorite alignment at Heinz Field this season.

So why are defensive linemen so important? Well, first off, you have four of them and the tackles in this scheme need to be very large men who can stuff the run and take up space. Past examples are Tony Siragusa with the Ravens and Booger McFarland with the Colts. In my opinion, Brett Kiesel and Aaron Smith don't make the cut in the 4-3.

Plus, the defensive ends have to be able to fly off of the edge and put pressure on the quarterback like a Jason Taylor of Miami or Dwight Freeney of Indy. Do you think that James Harrison can put a hand down and do that? I don't.

Then what happens to the nose tackle, in this case Casey Hampton? Well, I don't know since the 4-3 doesn't even have this position.

On draft day, I fully expect the Steelers to address their biggest need. A lineman. On the defensive side of the ball.