Steelers NFL Draft

Since the Steelers won the Super Bowl in February, one question has been on the mind of Steelers fans everywhere: Who will the Steelers take in the first round of the draft? That question was answered on Saturday April 29th, 2006 in New York City.

The Steelers held the last pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, pick #32. They brought many people in for workouts but were coveting a wide receiver, running back, or defensive back in this slot. One of the players they coveted was Ohio State Wide Out Santonio Holmes. The Steelers felt that Holmes wouldn’t be available at the pick 32 slot so they negotiated a deal that with the New York Giants. The deal outlined the Steelers moving up to the 25th pick in exchange for the first, third, and fourth round picks. With the 25th pick in hand, they wasted little time in selecting Holmes.

Santonio Holmes is 5 foot 11 inches tall and weighs in at 189 lbs. Holmes ranks fifth in receptions at Ohio State with 140 catches and only played three seasons with the Buckeyes. Speed and an excellent ability to run routes are why the Steelers love Holmes. He will probably be the number three receiver behind Hines Ward and Cedrick Wilson, adding duties with special teams. Holmes will wear number 10, formally worn by Kordell Stewert.

After an exciting first round the Steelers wheeling and dealing continued. With a trade of their second round pick, #64, to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for two third round picks, one of which had been acquired from Seattle. The Steelers used these two picks to select Syracuse Safety Anthony Smith, and Florida State Wide Receiver Willie Reid. Smith will play as a backup safety and third or fourth receiver.

The Steelers owned two picks each in round four and five. They needed depth at many positions and after a brief debate, the Steelers selected Hofstra Offensive Lineman Willie Colon and Miami Defensive Lineman Orien Harris in the fourth round. About an hour later two fifth round selections of Bowling Green Quarterback Omar Jacobs and Purdue Tight End Charles Davis were made by the exhausted Steelers staff. With two more selections to make, Cal-Berkeley Center Marvin Philip was nabbed in the sixth round and Cedric Humes was chosen to close out the 2006 draft.

The Steelers draft was good by filling their needs at wide receiver, safety and adding depth to key positions such as center, defensive tackle, offensive line, and running back. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Steelers a C+ grade for their draft. I am giving them an A- because they filled every position they needed and took quality players with every pick.