Steelers Morning Huddle – 4/24/13

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans from left Yusuf Cawthon , Joseph Cawthon , James Hatcher and Zach Cawthon pose for a photo before the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

As Steeler Nation prepares for the 2013 NFL draft, here’s a few articles that are making the news.

There is lots of debate about what the Steelers need to do in the draft.  However, there seems to be concensus that the Steelers have a lot of holes to fill.  Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who I believe has said something like this before, thinks the Steelers can find a gem or two at the running back position:

"The Steelers are not expected to draft a running back in the first round, not unless they make a trade that drops them lower than their No. 17 position. That is deemed too high for any of the halfback candidates in this class, including Alabama’s Eddie Lacy, judged by most to be the only sure-fire first-rounder in the bunch."

I know that many people think Rashard Mendenhall’s departure left a huge void, but based on his contributions over the last two years, I’m not so sure.  I also realize that Chris Rainey’s release complicates the issue.  The bottom line, however for me, is that if the Steelers want to reinvigorate the running game, they will have to give some attention to the running back position.  However, based on the talent they already have, I’m not sure they need a “stand out” star from college.   The lower rounds may be better to find some talent, but there are so many holes to fill, which are going to get priority?  Go here to see the rest of Bouchette’s article.

There have been some head shaking after the legal troubles some of the Steeler 2012 draft picks had during the season.  Alameda Ta’amu and Chris Rainey’s cases, and the way the Steelers handled each one, have been fodder for a lot of commentary.  To some, the Steelers started to look like a franchise that didn’t care about character as well as talent.  I think there has been a slide over the last decade as the Steelers try to find the formula to stay competitive.  According to Josh Alper on ProFootballTalk, the Steelers have spent some time with the families of several potential draft picks.  I’m not sure there is a magic formula anymore to predict how the rookie will react to fame and money, but I think looking at their background certainly cannot hurt.  It’s a shame, but it’s the world we live in now.

In case you haven’t seen it, here’s the NicePickCowher roundup of NFL Draft events.  Be sure to check back here often as NPC staff hold live chat forums and podcasts too.