We're Ready

If the Steelers stay put at 1.23, they should have a chance to draft a player to fill a specific need -- and they have plenty of needs, which is why it makes sense to trade down and add picks. As detailed in Wednesday's post, we believe the Steelers have very strong leverage for negotiating extremely favorable deals.

By trading down, we might miss out on guys like Jeff Otah and Gosder Cherilus, but we might improve our chances of adding some of the following players (in no particular order).

Owen Schmitt, FB, WVU, who pretty much never gets tackled for a loss.

Martin O'Donnell, G, Illinois, a pile-driving road grader who paved the way for Rashard Mendenhall and the Illini's productive, power running game.

John Greco, OT, Toledo, whom the Steelers brought in for a visit. Greco succeeded Nick Kaczur at left tackle at Toledo after Kaczur was drafted and went on to start for the New England Patriots. Tough guy who can play any position on the line.

Red Bryant, NT, Texas A&M: Arguably the most effective run-stuffer in college football.

Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida: Often described as a faster, quicker Hines Ward.

Donnnie Avery, WR, Houston: With 4.28 speed, Avery caught 91 passes for 1,456 yards last season, including 17 plays of 20 or more yards. A poor man's DeSean Jackson.

Craig Steltz, S, LSU: A leader on the national championship team and a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the nation's top defensive back.

Eric Young, T, Tennessee: Not as high on the draft radar as he should be because his senior season was cut short by a torn quad muscle that caused him to miss the final six games. Prior to the injury, he had registered 58 knockdowns with 11 touchdown-resulting blocks. He was rated the SEC's top offensive linemen with an 86.4% grade for blocking consistency, and was considered one of the most dominant position blockers in college football.

Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State: He could be an ideal slot receiver in the mold of Antwaan Randle-el. Clocking 4.35 in the 40, Jackson averaged 22.9 yards per catch as a senior and lit up Michigan with touchdown receptions of 20 and 68 yards.

Kirk Barton, OT, Ohio State: Entrenched at RT for the Buckeyes since his freshman canmpaign, Barton is a battle-tested veteran who has competed at the highest level for several years. Not as much upside as Otah; but not much of a learning curve, either, with this guy.

Doug Legursky, C, Marshall, who can handle long-snapping as well as every-down center duties.

Cliff Avril, LB/DE, Purdue: Yet another in a long line of premier pass-rushers out of Purdue.

Corey Lynch, S, Appalachian State: A safety in the mold of John Lynch, although not quite as big a hitter. Known as a team leader and clutch player, he blocked the kick at the end of the Michigan game.

Ahtyba Rubin, DT/DE, Iowa State: Just nasty. That's all you need to know about this guy.

Kansas State WR Jordy Nelson: The consensus All-American shattered school and Big 12 Conference season records in 2007, hauling in 122 passes for 1,606 yards (13.2 avg.) and 11 touchdowns. He scored twice on five punt returns for 264 yards (52.8 avg.) and registered a school record 140 points. He hit on 2-of-4 passes for 45 yards and a pair of touchdowns, finishing with 1,863 all-purpose yards, an average of 155.25 per game.

In 36 games at Kansas State, Nelson started 32 contests. He ranks second in school history with 206 receptions for 2,822 yards (13.7 avg.) and is third in KSU annals with 20 touchdown grabs. He returned six punts for 267 yards (44.5 avg.) and three scores, as he also completed 3-of-6 passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns, adding seven tackles (six solo) on special teams.