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Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 NFL Draft Review

(Sports Network) -

1 - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois (5-10, 225); 2 - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas (6-4, 210); 3 - Bruce Davis DE/OLB, UCLA (6-3, 252); 4 - Tony Hills, T, Texas (6-5, 307); 5 - Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon (6-4, 200); 6 - Mike Humpal, LB, Iowa (6-2, 244); 6 - Ryan Mundy, DB, West Virginia (6-1, 215)

Analysis: The Steelers filled two specific needs on the first day, finding in Mendenhall the between-the-tackles rusher they have lacked since Jerome Bettis' retirement, and also picking up the tall wideout that Ben Roethlisberger covets in Sweed. It's difficult to argue with either pick, but this team needed some offensive line reinforcements and ended up with only Hills, who brings injury baggage with him to the Steel City. The selection of Davis offers more proof that Pittsburgh will not move to Mike Tomlin's favored Tampa-2 scheme. Dixon projects as the heir apparent to Charlie Batch in the backup role behind Ben Roethlisberger. Humpal and Mundy project as special-teamers. Mundy is interesting mostly for having been a starter at both Michigan and West Virginia.

Bottom Line: Steelers added a new dimension to the offense with Mendenhall and Sweed, but will have to hold their breath in regard to o-line play in 2008.

Grade: B-

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Sat, Jan. 5FINAL
Jacksonville (10-4) 31
Pittsburgh (9-5) 29

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