IF YOU'VE "HAD IT" WITH possible prospects, PLEASE STOP READING AND LEAVE THIS POST. This is only for those who, [regardless of how much we hear] can never get enough
http://www.sportsocracy.org/?p=624?197cc2c8
By Thejim | April 19, 2007
I don't think anyone would disagree that this year's NFL draft is a big one for the Steelers. Since it'll be the first under the new Mike Tomlin regime and with the team holding the #15 pick, this year's draft effort will be under an even hotter spotlight than normal and will go down in history as a rousing success or huge flop for the coach…I doubt it'll land anywhere in between in terms of fan lore.
So many players have been mentioned as a potential first-round Steelers choice, it's hard to put a number on it. I'm guessing it's in the neighborhood of 171, with such names as Dwayne Jarrett, Michael Bush, Amobi Okoye, Levi Brown, Joe Staley, Jarvis Moss, and Lawrence Timmons all being in the conversation at one time or another.
I'm lobbying for the Steelers to go after Pitt's Darrelle Revis. I know, I know, I'm frequently critical of local pro teams bringing in a token hometown guy (Hello, Don Kelly!), but there's a lot of reasons this could work. The Steelers need an infusion of youth in a lot of places and look to be somewhat deep at corner on paper, but don't kid yourself, things are not all that good out there. Deshea Townsend seems to have retired after Super Bowl XL without telling anyone, Ike Taylor is down a lot more than he's up, Ricardo Colclough is running out of chances, and Bryant McFadden can only cover one guy at a time. This is where Revis can obviously fit the bill.
He's a Quiptown legend and was easily the best player on either side of the ball last year for Your Pittsburgh Panthers, originally projected as a late first-rounder on most boards. However, he's had a number of good workouts and has shot up a lot of draft boards, though not Mel Kiper's. Several scouts have questioned his speed, despite clocking in at a very good 4.38 at the combines…many people believe he loses quite a bit of that with pads on. Still Revis is probably the closest thing to a true shutdown corner in this draft and seems to be overtaking Leon Hall as the best option at CB that's out there. He's very physical and can bump with big receivers, allowing him to use his size and excellent ball awareness to make plays. And if there's anything the Steelers need, it's a guy that's reasonably close to a shutdown corner and someone with some playmaking ability.
On top of all this, it appears that USC receiver, Dwayne Jarrett is going to slip into the 2nd round where the Steelers could try and move up to get him or see if he falls into their laps with the 46th pick. If the Steelers could actually end up with Revis AND Jarrett, you'd have to believe Mike Tomlin's first draft would be viewed as a smashing success.
And need I remind you what young Mr. Revis can do when he has the ball in his hands?
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV3g2Z-0ExA[/media]
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