April 1, 2008

Needs on offense: Offensive guard needs to be addressed after Pro Bowl OLG Alan Faneca signed with the Jets. Chris Kemoeatu will get the first shot at replacing Faneca on the left side, but he has never been a full-time starter. Offensive tackle also may be addressed, with OLT Marvel Smith missing the end of last season with a back injury and ORT Willie Colon perhaps ultimately ending up inside at guard.

Needs on defense: The Steelers are likely to be looking at young defensive linemen to play end in their 3-4 front. A nose tackle to spell Casey Hampton and push backup Chris Hoke may also be on the shopping list. Free safety and cornerback also could be positions added to on Draft Day, even after the Steelers finished at the top of the league in yards per pass play allowed.

On Draft Day … Twenty-two teams pick before the Steelers are on the clock in Round One. In 2003 (S Troy Polamalu) and in ’06 (WR Santonio Holmes), the Steelers moved up in the first round to get their man, but with a slew of needs, they may not be so aggressive this year. In fact, a trade down might be in the cards if no lineman on either side of the ball piques their interest at No. 23.