What better way to better understand your 2008 Steelers Draft Picks than from the mouths of bloggers?
I asked several NCAA football-team-focused blogs to chime in with a quick blurb about the Steelers draft pick coming from their respective school, and several were kind enough to share with you, the reader, exactly what kind of players now wear the Black and Gold.
Let’s do this:
Limas Sweed – Texas
May end up being one of the best picks in the draft, without the wrist injury Sweed goes much higher and doctors don’t believe it will linger. Good team player who risked his NFL draft status to try to play through a painful injury for his Longhorn teammates. May not be the fastest wide receiver in the draft but runs very well (4.52 forty) for a 6-foot-4 receiver. Limas uses his size and leaping ability very well, and knows the benefits of a subtle push off to create separation. Should contribute to the Steelers early, especially in the red zone, and has the ability to become a true #1 receiver as he matures.
Tony Hills – Texas
Hills was a 4th round selection based on potential as much as performance. Was inconsistent at Texas and despite his measurables may not have the mean streak to be a dominating tackle in the NFL. Hills has good size and his frame should allow him to get bigger without losing any quickness. Is a good pass blocker thanks to his long arms and good feet (he was recruited as a 5-star tight end) but must get stronger to be an above average run blocker. If the light comes on for him, he has the intelligence, size, and athleticism to be solid left tackle for the Steelers.
– Brian from Bevo Sports
Dennis Dixon – Oregon
When I heard Dennis got drafted by the Steelers, I thought it was a perfect fit. He has all the tools to be an NFL QB. He’s got the physical tools (size, arm, mobility). He’s got the leadership ability. He’s got the toughness (dude played on a shredded knee). And he’s got the smart (scored an unreal 29 on his Wonderlic). The big question on him is his accuracy. He didn’t throw the most accurate ball at Oregon, but got away with it because his receivers were so wide open in the spread.
If he can fix the accuracy thing, he could be a damn fine NFL quarterback. But, even if he’s not a QB long term, he could still be a damn productive player. I look at former QBs such as Hines Ward of Antwaan Randle-El and Dennis is as athletic and as fast as those guys. If he doesn’t work out at QB, I have no doubt he could switch to receiver and do some damage there.
Its a pretty good pick by the Steelers, because it offers multiple chances at success.
– Dave from Addicted to Quack
Mike Humpal – Iowa
All state sprinter still adjusting to his weight. Replaced Iowa’s defensive MVP in both production and leadership after the MVP’s injury in the middle of last season. A definite asset to a locker room. If he can stay healthy, he’ll contribute for a few years, either as a weakside backer or on special teams. Great pick, great guy.
– Adam from Black Heart Gold Pants and Fanhaus
Ryan Mundy – West Virginia
To be perfectly honest, Mundy was viewed as a surprise pick by Mountaineer nation. A very solid college player, rarely out of place or beaten on any play, Mundy was still expected to catch on as a free agent after the draft. As a 6th round selection, the Steelers have drafted a player that will bring maturity and work ethic to the secondary positions (most likely safety). He may never be a star (or even a consistent starter), but he has the talent and drive to stick around in the league and contribute for the Steelers.
– Charley from West BY GOD Virginia
We can only assume Bruce Davis (UCLA) and Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois) are future Hall of Famers. Should the bloggers from each school get back to me, I’ll update this post.
Many thanks to the participating bloggers for their insight.
