Finaly after much positioning/trading & second guessing by Draft scouts – the 2008 NFL draft is over. There will be winners & losers, as surely as some top picks will become pro bowlers – there will surely be bigtime flops. The higher the pick the bigger the flop possibility.

Steelers much like my fav basketball team the Lakers, haven’t lately picked in the top 5. Therefore chances of big flops are negated since they don’t pick very high.

New Steeler RB Rashard Mendenhall

Their scouting teams have to be diligent & effective with their scouting time & the ultimate picks they decide on. Below is a quick summary on the top 3 steelers picks for 2008.

Round 1 23rd pick - Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois

He’s the first RB drafted in the 1st round by the Steelers in close to 10 years, last being Tim Worley in in 1989 (7th overall). Ranks 7th in Illinois school history rushing yards at 2,539 yards. Set single season rushing record, by rushing for 1,681 yards in ’07. Had 2 games of 200+ rushing yards in 2007, 214 yards vs. Indiana & 203 yards vs. Minnesota. Also set single season TD record with 17 in ’07. Had 8 100 yard rushing games in ’07 & set all-purpose yards record at school with 1,818. Was an All-American 3rd team selection & named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

Needless to say this guy was a big time college home run hitter, with long gainers that went to the house. Only knock on him was his practice demeanor – apparently he didn’t practice hard until he became the starter, making one think he dogs it when things don’t go his way. Can’t complain about his productivity though.

Round 2 55^th pick – Limas Sweed, WR Texas

Played in only 6 games in ’07 due to lingering wrist injury that required surgery. Was projected by many to be 1^st round talent. Scouts view him: as having it all that one looks for in a #1 wideout. With big Ben being a big Baby by pouting & whining for the need of a big tall WR (remind anyone of Plaxico), he got what he wished for. He has excellent size & a big frame with long arms. Has soft hands & is smooth athlete – is deceptively fast (not elite speed). Great body control & ball skills, as well as great hops, also is tough & strong (which should make him perfect for lob passes in which he can outjump/outmuscle 5’10 inch cb. Can beat the jam at the line & can make the spectacular catch.

Round 3 88^th pick – Bruce Davis, OLB UCLA

A favorite of mine, as he played for my fav college team – the gutty little Bruins. Most scouts had him ranked as a DE, but most likely that is not a true reflection of his eventual NFL position, which will undoubtedly be as an outside linebacker – as there aren’t too many DE’s 6’ 3” 242 pound DE’s in the NFL. Not to worry steeler fans, OLB isn’t a unfamiliar postion from Bruce, as he played a lot of OLB as a sophomore in 2005.

Superb player who is quick & can beat most OL personnel due to his quick moves & fast feet (lightening quick 1^st step coming of the edge) – as he showed his junior year by having an awesome record breaking year by pummeling the oppositions QB’s with 12.5 sacks & recording 17.5 tackes for loss. And it doesn’t hurt to have your most outstanding game against your hated rival – theUSC Trojans, not only did he whoop on the celebrated Trojan OL, he & his defensive cohorts upset the Trojans who were hoping to get to another title game again.

Doesn’t hurt that his pappy (same name) won 2 super bowls with the Raiders in the ‘80s. Nuances of the game won’t be an issue for him due to his bloodlines.

Rashard – with superstar fast Willie Parker mending from his season ending injury from last year, great pick so as Willie can take his time healing & not be rushed before he needs to.

Sweed – if he can perform as well as last year’s top WR pick Mr. Holmes, the steelers will have what most teams covet – 3 WR’s with it all, speed Holmes, size Sweed, possession type Ward.

Davis – superb talent, & the steelers are known for their defensive blitzing which is a perfect match for player & team.

All 3 are great talent, Sweed seems to be a steal – as he was considered 1^st round talent but slipped to the Steelers in round 2. Now big Ben has all the offensive firepower at WR a QB can want or wish for. Watch out for Davis, he’s a sleeper (plus I always wish UCLA bruins great success in the Pros).