Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

Gosder Cherilus in action

The 2008 NFL draft is upon us. Based on past Pittsburgh Steelers off seasons – it becomes apparent that our beloved Steelers will not tinker with the roster much via free agency – the NFL draft is the way to bring in new talent. Last year the Steelers had a great season, & no pun intended due to a bad break (Willie Parker’s leg break) our teams best threat/home run hitter went down when he could no longer suit up. Being that the Steelers made the playoffs – their pick will not be a top 10 one, where the majority of blue chippers are. Steelers brass will have to work some magic to get studs here.

In the NFL Day one (rounds 1 – 3) can bring in talent to many teams, as many of these picks not only make the teams – they some time out right start sometime during their rookie years – specifically the 1-10 picks. Can the Steelers steal more pro bowl players like when they chose Big Ben or Hines Ward or Troy Polamalu. On back to back years 2003 & 2004 – the Steelers think tank earned their pay by drafting the nucleus of talent (playmakers) that would bring them one for the thumb. Troy in 2003 drafted # 16 of the 1srt round, 2004 Big Ben drafted # 11 of the 1^st round, 2004. Can’t do much better than that can you – 2 studs back to back.

Drafting pro bowl players other than in the top ten picks has happened quite a bit for the Steelers. Here are a few of the recent pro-bowl players drafted as such:

Undrafted - James Harrison, Willie Parker

Round 6 - Greg Lloyd #150

Round 4 - Aaron Smith #109

Round 3 - Hines Ward #98, Jason Gildon #88, Joey Porter #73, Joel Steed #67

Round 2 - Kordell Stewart #60, Chad Brown #44, Dermontti Dawson #44

Kendrell Bell #39, Levon Kirkland #38, Marvel Smith #38, Carnell Lake #34

Round 1 - Alan Faneca #26, Casey Hampton #19

This draft leaves us with a few questions – among them - who will be their 1^st round pick (#23 overall)?

Also, will this be the year the Steelers finally draft a stud shut down cornerback (can’t recall the last such cornerback other than Woodson & Lake)?

Majority of mock drafts have the following college star playing in black & gold this next season, I guess if the team passes more than runs – this will be a good pick (not the general philosophy of the Steelers).

Will have to wait & see on Saturday.

Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College Height: 6-7 / Weight: 315

Has started his teams last 37 games, all at right tackle. Blocked for seven 100-yard rushing games last year – but overall BC ranked 106th in nation rushing, not great. Pass blocking was his strength as he helped BC rank 7th in the nation with an average of 324 yards per game passing, by protecting the very likely 1st QB drafted this year Matt Ryan (possible 8th pick, by the Ravens). Had 77 knockdowns, 12 TD blocks & allowed less than 6 sacks.