Indications for the draft
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The Steelers yesterday played host to Oklahoma defensive lineman Ryan McBean, one day after visits from Ohio State running back Antonio Pittman and Hawaii defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis.
Pittman, even smaller than Willie Parker at a meager 207 pounds, may be used as depth behind Parker if drafted. However, a running back likely will not be drafted in Pittsburgh until day two.
More importantly, the visits from two defensive linemen is a very telling sign that the Steelers are attempting to bolster a front three (or maybe four?) that played well in 2006 but generated virtually no pass rush. McBean, at 286 pounds, would likely fit in either as a 3-4 end or, if he can add another 15 to 20 pounds, at defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment.
Alama-Francis, on the other hand, is viewed as the prototypical 3-4 end and has been compared to Luis Castillo by numerous sources. He is likely to be a mid-second round pick, which means he may just fall right into the Steelers’ laps. However, his stock has been rising lately and he could find his way up a few spots.
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