Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 NFL Draft Picks

Pittsburgh Steelers

Needs Analysis: Pittsburgh had 10 draft picks and first-rounder Maurkice Pouncey will be a 10-year starter at guard, and eventually center. After that pick, the Steelers couldn't resist linebackers, as usual. They selected three to bolster an already strong unit. They brought back corner Bryant McFadden in a draft-day trade to address their top need at corner. Seven corners were off the board by the time they picked in the second round and 10 by the time they went in the third. With Santonio Holmes gone, they grabbed two receivers with unbelievable production. Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown have 590 receptions and 56 touchdowns between them in college.

Pick Player Pos Ht Wt College Grade* Fan Pick* Watch
Round 1, Pick 18 (18) Maurkice Pouncey C 6'4" 304 Florida 8.4 26
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Pick Analysis: The Steelers had no choice but to address their offensive line after watching Ben Roethlisberger repeatedly take a beating last season. Maurkice Pouncey gives the Steelers a versatile interior blocker adept at playing the physical style that the team prefers. With his ability to play center or guard, Pouncey should immediately contribute as a rookie starter.
Round 2, Pick 20 (52) Jason Worilds DE 6'1" 254 Virginia Tech 6.2 --
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Pick Analysis: The Steelers have a knack for uncovering superb pass rushers, and Jason Worilds might be the next one to develop into an all-star player on the edge. The Virginia Tech star has exceptional speed and quickness, and his relentless motor leads to disruptive plays. Given the Steelers' reputation for developing young rushers, Worilds could blossom into a star in the Steel City in a few years.
Round 3, Pick 18 (82) Emmanuel Sanders WR 5'11" 186 Southern Methodist 7.8 --
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Pick Analysis: The Steelers pick up Emmanuel Sanders to upgrade the depth at wide receiver. As an explosive receiver with big-play ability, Sanders gives the Steelers a dynamic weapon in the passing game. Though his slender frame is a cause for concern, his outstanding speed and quickness make him a dangerous playmaker in the team's wide-open offense.
Round 4, Pick 18 (116) Thaddeus Gibson DE 6'2" 243 Ohio State 7.0 --
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Pick Analysis: The Steelers continue their tradition of picking up hybrid rushers in the middle rounds with the selection of Thaddeus Gibson. He gives them another young pass rusher to develop, and brings an athletic presence to special teams.
Round 5, Pick 20 (151) Chris Scott OT 6'4" 319 Tennessee 5.5 --
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Pick Analysis: The Steelers pick up Chris Scott to compete for a position on their roster at offensive tackle. The Steelers surrendered a lot of sacks last season, and Scott will help address their woes at the position.
Round 5, Pick 33 (164) (Compensatory selection) Crezdon Butler CB 6'0" 191 Clemson 2.2 --
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Pick Analysis: Butler is another speedster out of Clemson, a school that produces some of the fastest prospects on a yearly basis. He has impressive athletic ability, and will provide depth for the Steelers as they try to replenish their secondary. He wasn't an especially physical tackler in college, and needs to improve his ball skills, but who better to teach him than Pittsburgh defensive coordinator and Hall of Fame defensive back Dick LeBeau?
Round 5, Pick 35 (166) (Compensatory selection) Stevenson Sylvester LB 6'2" 231 Utah 2.0 --
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Pick Analysis: Pittsburgh continues to bolster its 3-4 defense with productive linebackers by taking Utah's Stevenson Sylvester. Very competitive, with a high moter, Sylvester excels at dropping into coverage and chasing down plays. He is somewhat small, though, and could use work on his blitzing given the Steelers' aggressive scheme.
Round 6, Pick 19 (188) Jonathan Dwyer RB 5'11" 229 Georgia Tech 7.1 --
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Pick Analysis: For months ago, people were projecting Dwyer as a first- or second-round pick. Dwyer finally comes off the board at No. 188. I'm sure it's been a very frustrating time for the talented back. At Georgia Tech, he played out of position as a 240-pound fullback in an option attack. He got down to 229 for the NFL Scouting Combine, but never ran well.
Round 6, Pick 26 (195) (From Cardinals) Antonio Brown WR 5'10" 186 Central Michigan 3.8 --
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Pick Analysis: Antonio Brown has 4.4 speed, and was highly productive in college. He'll compete for a backup spot with the Steelers, who earlier took wideout Emmanuel Sanders. With Santonio Holmes gone, and Limas Sweed yet to meet expectations, Pittsburgh is clearly attempting to bolster its receiving corps.
Round 7, Pick 35 (242) (Compensatory selection) Doug Worthington DT 6'5" 292 Ohio State 5.8 --
Pick Analysis: As a prospect with great strength, and speed, Worthington will come in and compete for a defensive end position in the Steelers' 3-4 defense. He'll need to work on his ability to shed blockers at the pro level.