Wheaton has the tools to be an effective receiver with the Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Douglas C. Pizac-USA TODAY Sports

With Mike Wallace now in South Beach, the Steelers definitely needed to add an element of speed of their passing-game.  Thus, I am downright happy that they were able to acquire the former Oregon State Beaver in the 3rd Round.

A former track-athlete during his college days, Markus emerged as the program’s most productive wide receiver over the last couple of seasons.  After he put up a combined 138 catches for 1,661 yards and 5 touchdowns during his sophomore and junior campaigns, Markus put himself in the same conversation as Robert Woods, Marqise Lee, and Keenan Allen as one of the Pac-12′s best receivers last year.  Overall, Wheaton was named 1st team All-Pac 12 after he hauled in 91 balls for 1,244 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall.

Although Wheaton does not possess an overly large frame (5’11″ 189 lbs.), he has a good deal of speed and quickness to stretch opposing defenses both vertically and horizontally.  Armed with consistent hands, Wheaton is also a proficient route-runner who definitely has the ability to be an effective weapon in the short, intermediate, and deep areas of the field.  I should also add that Wheaton has the ability to not only contribute in the passing-game outside the numbers, but also in the slot position as well.

A multi-purpose weapon to boot, Markus rushed for 631 yards and 5 touchdowns during his collegiate career in Corvallis. So if offensive coordinator Todd Haley is feeling up to it, Wheaton could definitely help on some end-arounds or designed runs also.

As I stated before, the Steelers need help at the wide receiver position.  Antonio Brown is the only wide receiver who is signed through the 2013 season, so it was a wise choice for them to hedge their bets with Wheaton.  Markus’ ability to be a dangerous player in the short and intermediate areas reminds me of Emmanuel Sanders, and his ability to be a deep-threat definitely reminds me of the departed Wallace.

So tip of the cap, Colbert & Co.!  I believe that you guys made a wise choice.

Final Grade: A-

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Players Stats Provided By Specific Team Pages: Oregon State and ESPN.com

Players Contract Info. Provided By: Spotrac.com

Players Heights/Weight Provided By: CBSSports.com and NFL Combine Page

For now though, let’s get on to the Mock:

Round 1

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel OT (Texas A&M)

Kansas City’s brass could instantly upgrade their situation at offensive tackle with Texas A&M’s former blind-side protector.  The 6’6″ 306 lb. Joeckel was the 2012 Outland Award winner, a 2012 consensus All-American, and a three-year starter for the Aggies (39 Games, 39 Starts).  While the nimble Joeckel is not a “road-grading” type of tackle, his quick feet and sound blocking technique will help him develop into a fantastic blind-side pass-protector for years to come.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Geno Smith QB (West Virginia)

If the Jaguars are done with the “Blaine Gabbert Experience,” then they might want to target a quarterback on Day 1 or Day 2 of the Draft.  The strong-armed, accurate, and athletic former Mountaineer (2012: 369 for 518 (71.2%), 4,205 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions) would give the franchise at least some hope at the quarterback position.  Jacksonville sent a large amount of people to Smith’s workouts, and it would not shock me if they made him their choice in Round 1.

3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd DT (Florida)

Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant are no longer with the Raiders, so an enormous hole exists at defensive tackle.  Floyd (6’3″ 297 lbs.) has become of the draft’s hottest commodities as of late, and he played both defensive end and defensive tackle at Florida.  Last year, Floyd played his best football last season on the interior as he displayed a surprising combination of agility, power, and quickness for a man his size.  Overall, Sharrif notched 46 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a team-leading 13.0 tackles for loss during his junior season, and should garner interest from teams who employ 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes in Round 1.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Star Lotulelei DT (Utah)

Now that the Eagles are switching to a 3-4 defensive scheme, they would best served to acquire an athletic 5-technique who can also chip in for some gap-clogging in the trenches between the guards too.  Despite being double-teamed and keyed on for much of the season, Lotulelei (6’2″ 311 lbs.) was a 1st Team All-Pac-12 performer in 2012 as he amassed 42 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 11.0 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries.  If the Chiefs, Jaguars, and Raiders shy away from Lotulelei due his heart issue, the Eagles might still snatch him up in a “Best Player Available” scenario.

5. Detroit Lions: Eric Fisher OT (Central Michigan)

Gosder Cherulis left for Indianapolis as a free agent, and veteran Jeff Backus just recently retired.  If the Lions want to rebuild their offensive line accordingly, they might be wise to target Eric Fisher at #5 overall.  The 6’7″ 306 lb. Fisher was a 1st team All-MAC performer last season, and also possesses some versatility to his game.  Although he played most of his collegiate career at left tackle, Eric did start games at right tackle and right guard earlier in his career with the Chippewas.  So even if Fisher doesn’t pan out on the blind-side, Detroit’s coaching staff could find another place for him along their porous offensive line.

6. Miami Dolphins: Lane Johnson OT (Oklahoma)

(Trade w/Cleveland: Swap 1st Round picks (#6 overall) and (#12 overall), Miami sends 2nd Round pick (#42) to complete deal)

The Dolphins need a tackle to take the place of Jake Long, and Miami could opt to trade up into the top 10 for Lane Johnson.  The former Sooner (6’6″ 303 lbs.) is an intriguing prospect who played quarterback in high school and at junior college, and spent time at tight end and defensive end in Norman as well.  For the last two years though Johnson has manned both the right (12 starts) and left (11 starts) tackle spots, and has the potential to be a stable pass-protector down the road at either the left or right tackle positions.

7. Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner CB (Alabama)

(Trade w/Arizona: Swap 1st Round picks (#7 overall) and (#10 overall), Tennessee sends 3rd Round pick (#70) to complete deal)

The Titans have issues at in terms of depth at cornerback, and it might be wise for them to trade up a couple of spots to ensure that can they acquire the best one of the draft class.  Milliner (6′ 200 lbs.) had a terrific 2012 season as he logged 22 passes defended over the team’s 14 games, and added 54 tackles and 2 interceptions to his statline during the Crimson Tide’s national championship season.  DeMarcus also is more than willing to mix it up in the run game, and has the size, speed, and man-coverage skills to be a solid starting cornerback.

8. San Francisco 49ers: Dion Jordan DE/OLB (Oregon)

(Trade w/Buffalo: Swap 1st Round picks (#31 overall) and (#8 overall), San Francisco sends two 2nd Round picks (#34 & #61) to Buffalo in exchange for 5th Round pick (#143) to complete deal)

The 49ers have 13 draft picks, and are primed to make a move up into Round 1 this month.  San Francisco could use another athletic pass-rusher to compliment Aldon Smith, and their front office might be interested in Dion Jordan if he falls this far down the draft board.  Last year, Jordan (6’6″ 248 lbs.) put up 44 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and forced 3 fumbles.  In addition to his ability to rush the passer, Jordan is extremely competent in pass-coverage and playing in space as well. As long as he recovers well from his recent shoulder surgery, the former Duck will be a top 10 pick.

9. New York Jets: Ezekiel Ansah DE/OLB (Brigham Young)

2012 1st Round pick Quinton Coples (5.5 sacks) and 2011 1st Round pick Muhammad Wilkerson (5.0 sacks) did a fine job last season as they supplied heat from their 5-technique defensive end spots.  Unfortunately, the Jets lack speed outside of Coples and Wilkerson, and desperately need a pass-rushing threat at outside linebacker.  Ezekiel Ansah has turned heads throughout the offseason, and should be a top 10 pick when “Draft Weekend” rolls around next weekend.  Despite the fact that Ansah is newer to the game of football, the 6’5″ 271 lb. defensive end had a fine 2012 season as he made 62 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks during his first year as a starter with the Cougars.

10. Arizona Cardinals: D.J. Fluker OT (Alabama)

(Trade w/Tennessee: Swap 1st Round picks (#7 overall) and (#10 overall), Tennessee sends 3rd Round pick (#70) to complete deal)

Arizona’s offensive line surrendered a League high 58.0 sacks last year, and tackles Bobby Massie and D’Anthony Batiste looked lost at multiple points during the 2012 campaign.  If the Cardinals want to shore up the right tackle position, they could take D.J. Fluker in Round 1.  Fluker started 36 games during his three years with the Crimson Tide, and is one of the more experienced offensive tackles in this year’s draft class.  Keeping Carson Palmer healthy is a high priority, and the addition of a massive 6’5″ 339 lb. road-grader should help to do just that.

11. San Diego Chargers: Barkevious Mingo OLB (Louisiana State)

The Chargers need to improve their pass-protection, and their pass-rush.  If Lane Johnson is not available at #11, look for San Diego to try and upgrade their pass-rush.  Sporting a 6’4″ and 241 lb. frame, Mingo possesses a tremendous amount of speed (4.58 40 yard dash) and agility (6.84 3-cone drill) off of the edge which should help him translate well to the professional level.  The biggest issues with Mingo however deal with how raw his skill-set is, as well as his limited production (4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss) with the Bayou Bengals last season.  Questions aside, Mingo’s athletic ability and upside should make him a lock to go somewhere in the top 15.

12. Cleveland Browns: Tavon Austin WR/SB/KR (West Virginia)

(Trade w/Miami: Swap 1st Round picks (#6 overall) and (#12 overall), Miami sends 2nd Round pick (#42) to complete deal)

The Browns need a speedy pass-catcher to team with Greg Little and Josh Gordon, and they might be wise to take a long look at Tavon Austin in Round 1.  Not only did Austin top the 100 catch mark during his junior season, he had an even more productive senior campaign last fall as he recorded 114 grabs for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns.  An accomplished ball-carrier as well, Tavon also was effective in the run-game as he rushed for an incredible 643 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2012.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Rhodes CB (Florida State)

Even though the Buccaneers are bringing back Eric Wright at a discounted price, the team’s secondary is still a bit of a mess.  If Darrelle Revis does not head to Tampa Bay, the Buccaneeers’ brass will probably look for a cornerback early in this year’s draft.  Xavier Rhodes (6’1″ 210 lbs.) was a 1st Team All-ACC cornerback as he racked up 39 tackles and 3 interceptions during the 2012 season as the most talented player in the Seminoles’ defensive backfield.  A team can never have too many effective cornerbacks in today’s N.F.L., and Rhodes is terrific in man-coverage situations because he can use his physical stature to his advantage.

14. Carolina Panthers: Cordarrelle Patterson WR (Tennessee)

Cam Newton could use more weapons, and the Panthers might take Cordarrelle Patterson if he falls all the way to #14 overall.  The 6’2″ 216 lb. junior was a phenomenal kick returner and wide receiver at the junior college level before he came to Knoxville this past year, and did Cordarrelle ever make a splash in 2012.  On the year, Patterson caught 46 passes for 778 yards and 5 touchdowns, rushed for 308 Yards and 3 touchdowns, and returned 1 kickoff and 1 punt for touchdowns.  Although his skill-set is still developing, Patterson’s upside will undoubtedly be too high for some team in the top 15 to pass on him.

15. New Orleans Saints: Jarvis Jones OLB (Georgia)

The Saints could stand to acquire a 3-4 pass-rusher this offseason.  New Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan could be intrigued to take former Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones.  Although Jones’ “spinal stenosis” condition and poor Pro Day workout could scare scouts away, some teams in need of an athletic pass-rusher are sure to be willing to gamble on the former Bulldog.  Last season, Jones (6’2″ 245 lbs.) racked up 24.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks, and would be a bargain for the Saints if he falls all the way down to #15 overall.

16. St. Louis Rams: Kenny Vaccaro FS/SS (Texas)

The Rams lost Craig Dahl in March, thus a replacement at the free safety position must be found, and found quickly.  Vaccaro (6’1″ 218 lbs.) was the Longhorns’ leading tackler last year (104) and added 4.0 tackles for loss, forced two fumbles, and made 2 interceptions as well.  A two-and-a-half year starter at Texas (31 Starts, 50 games), Vaccaro played both free and strong safety during his collegiate career, and is also adept at helping with coverage in the slot in “big nickel” packages too.

Allen the Prospect

Allen had a productive collegiate career with the Golden Bears. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

From a production standpoint, Keenan emerged one of the Pac-12′s best wide receivers over the last two years.  As a redshirt sophomore, Allen burst on the scene back in 2011 when he racked up 98 catches for 1,343 yards and 6 touchdowns as he earned 1st team All-Pac-12 honors from the league’s coaches.

Unfortunately for the 6’2″ 206 lb. pass-catcher, 2012 did not prove to be a tremendous follow-up season.  Allen not only sustained a PCL sprain and missed 3 games, but it didn’t help that his quarterback (and brother) Zach Maynard struggled with some erratic play too.  Struggles and injury aside, the Golden Bear pass-catcher still managed to pace Cal’s offense with 61 grabs for 737 yards and 6 touchdowns.

In addition to his good (but not elite) set of hands, the part of Allen’s game that I particularly like is his ability to work all levels of the field in the passing-game.  While Allen definitely illustrated the ability to stretch the field and an opposing defense vertically, he did some of his best work in the short and intermediate areas during his collegiate career.

Allen excelled on tunnel screens and slants with the Golden Bears, and made ”many a big gain” on that staple passing play of Cal’s offense.  Although Keenan does not have the type of explosiveness that an Austin or a Patterson does, when Allen turns his hips up-field and has a head of steam he is a difficult man to bring to the ground.  Plus, it does not hurt that the former Golden Bear is a long-strider, and has some solid open-field awareness.

I should also add that Allen’s experience and effective play in the slot and at split end should make him a versatile chess-piece to move around on the perimeter for Ben Roethlisberger.  Because Keenan can run his passing-routes so well and in such a crisp manner, he is a threat to make a play no matter where he lines up on the football field, especially in the red zone.

Inside the 20 yard line, Allen can bring back the fade route to Pittsburgh, and utilize his large frame to pluck the ball away from opposing cornerbacks.  The former Golden Bear uses his body control well and can outmaneuver defensive backs for the ball in one-on-one situations.  In addition to working outside the numbers, Allen has the physicality and skill-set to shine in the slot in the red zone area too.  Keenan’s frame would put him at a tremendous advantage over smaller slot cornerbacks and safeties, and his speed and agility would allow him to shake linebackers in limited amounts of space.

What Allen Must Prove

As terrific as Allen was during his collegiate career, he will likely have to prove two important things at his ”Pro Day” to scouts from around the league: his overall health and his overall speed.

From a health standpoint, Allen must illustrate to scouts that he is fully healed from the aforementioned PCL injury, and the ankle injury he suffered before the 2012 season began.  Since this will be Allen’s first public workout since his season ended, it will give him a terrific chance to illustrate that he is ready to compete and contribute at the pro level in 2013.

As far as Allen’s “speed” is concerned, I am sure that some will be curious to see how fast the pass-catcher is timed in his 40 yard dash.  Although Keenan proved to have plenty of game speed on tape, he definitely does not possess the type of explosiveness that a Patterson or an Austin does right now.  Nevertheless, tomorrow’s workout should give Allen an ample opportunity to prove his naysayers wrong. 

Even if Keenan does not time particularly well though, I should mention that plenty of successful and highly talented pass-catchers have seen their stock tank due to their showings in the 40, or multiple had questions centered around their raw speed heading into “Draft Weekend.” (i.e.: Anquan Boldin, Stevie Johnson, Hakeem Nicks, Brandon Marshall, Reggie Wayne, and even Larry Fitzgerald)

Injuries and supposed lack of speed aside, from what I have watched of Allen I believe that his skill-set would greatly compliment those of Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.  The former Cal pass-catcher would add some different and unique elements to Pittsburgh’s passing-game, and has the potential make the team’s aerial-attack more potent overall.  The Steelers need to select a wide receiver at some point in this month’s draft, and it would not hurt the front office to select one sooner as opposed to later either.  I just hope that at least some members of the coaching staff and scouts are in Greensboro tomorrow for Allen’s Pro Day to decide for themselves whether or not he can help Pittsburgh’s thin wide receiver corps.

Players Stats Courtesy of: California and ESPN.com

Players Heights/Weight Provided By: CBSSports.com and NFL Combine Page

Why Wide Receiver?

As I pointed out in the latest version of my Mock Draft, the Steelers could definitely be in the market for an upgrade or two at the Wide Receiver position.  “Butterfingers” Wallace is on his way out the door for a bigger/undeserving pay-day elsewhere, while Jerricho Cotchery is set to become a UFA this March.  My hope is that the Pittsburgh is able to bring Cotchery back to pair with Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders next year, because there could be literally zero depth behind them.  Sure, I guess that the Steelers might have the soon to be 36 year-old Plaxico Burress (an upcoming UFA) and David Gilreath on the roster at the moment.  But I definitely believe that this Offense could use a more effective and dynamic pass-catching option to add to the mix behind Brown and Sanders.

What Pittsburgh’s Receiving Corps ultimately lacks first and foremost is size, especially if Burress is not brought back.  Do not get me wrong, Brown and Sanders are fine options for Big Ben to target in the passing game.  In fact, on shorter and intermediate routes, they form a terrific duo, and I believe that Brown needs to be used more in a field-stretching capacity on some longer routes.  Yet both players possess neither a great deal of size, nor are they the type of physically imposing pass-catchers for Ben Roethlisberger to have at his disposal in the Red Zone.  With Pittsburgh’s need for another pass-catcher in mind, I believe that there are two Wide Receivers in particular who I believe that G.M. Kevin Colbert might target in Round 1 this April: Keenan Allen of Cal-Berkeley and Cordarrelle Patterson of Tennessee.

Allen had a productive 3-year career with the Golden Bears. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Keenan Allen

If Keenan Allen were to fall to Pittsburgh at #17, and Defensive players like Alec Ogletree and Alex Okafor were not on the board anymore, I would have no issue if the former Golden Bear was selected by them.  Allen is a big-bodied (6’3″ 210 lbs.) pass-catcher who had an extremely productive three-year collegiate career at Berkeley.  As a Sophomore in 2011, Allen outshined his then-teammate and current Cincinnati Bengal Marvin Jones when he racked up 98 Catches for 1,343 Yards and 6 TD’s and was named 1st-team All-PAC 12 by the Coaches.

Things looked bright for Allen heading into 2012, but erratic play at the Quarterback position from Zach Maynard coupled with a minor knee injury limited Allen.  While his statistics last year were not as gaudy as they were during his Sophomore campaign, Keenan was nevertheless able to rack up 61 gabs for 737 Yards and 6 TD’s before he was shelved for the year after 9 games due to his PCL injury which did not require surgery.

I believe that Allen would be a solid addition to Pittsburgh’s Wide Receiving corps, and should emerge to be a very dangerous compliment to both Brown and Sanders for Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley.  In addition to Allen’s large frame, he possesses the ability to not only run crisp routes, but has also flashed the ability to make plays in the short, intermediate, deep, and Red Zone areas of the passing game.  During his collegiate career, Allen lined up at and performed well when used the slot and outside the numbers, so the types of matchup issues he could help to create/take advantage of for Big Ben in the passing game would be downright fantastic.  While he is definitely not the speedster Wallace is or possesses the shiftiness of a Brown or a Sanders, Allen does have a good amount of straight line speed for a guy of his size, can make guys miss in the open field, and is a tough pass-catcher to bring down due to his size.

Allen however might not fall to Pittsburgh in Round 1, especially when one considers how teams in front of Pittsburgh (particularly Miami at #12 and Carolina at #14) could stand to use more help at Wide Receiver than the Steelers do.  Allen has a translatable skill-set to the N.F.L., and he could raise his Draft-stock even more with a strong work-out period over the next few months.  If he does somehow fall to Pittsburgh at #17, I will be particularly intrigued because Kevin Colbert and the rest of the Front Office could employ a “B.P.A.” (Best Player Available) strategy and select Allen if there are no other players they believe could make as big of an impact as he could.

Patterson had a fantastic debut season with the Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports

Cordarrelle Patterson

I will admit it, I did not know anything about the Junior College (Hutchinson C.C.) Transfer Cordarrelle Patterson before the 2012 season began.  While Patterson apparently enjoyed a terrific 2-year JUCO career in Kansas before he joined the Volunteers, I was unaware what an explosive play-maker he actually was.   But after his season opening performance against N.C. State (6 Catches, 93 Yards, 1 TD, 2 Rushes, 72 Yards, 1 TD), I along with every other college football fan began to take notice of the fleet-footed pass-catcher.

During his first year of Division 1-A football, Patterson put his play-making ability on full display.  Overall, the 6’3″ 205 lb. Patterson racked up 46 Catches for 778 Yards and 5 TD’s, rushed the ball 25 times for 308 Yards and 3 TD’s, and took 1 Punt and 1 Kickoff back for a score!  For his efforts, Cordarrelle was named 1st Team All-SEC by the A.P. and the Coaches as the Conference’s top “All-Purpose” Player.  Patterson was so dynamic last year that he even set the school record for All-Purpose Yards (1,858) gained in a season!

Probably Patterson’s best skills, and the ones which make scouts salivate over his upside are his size, speed, and positional versatility.  Patterson lined up both outside the numbers and in the slot last year, and was even used out of the backfield effectively on designed run plays too.  His cutting and shifting ability in the open field is ridiculously awesome, and he can reach his top speed faster than Allen can as was illustrated when he returned Kicks and Punts for the Volunteers.  At this stage in his career though, Patterson is a much more raw prospect than Allen is in the areas of route-running and blocking.  In my opinion, he also does not possess the same caliber of hands that Allen does, and he was not particularly productive as a pass receiver against some of Tennessee’s best competition (combined 8 Catches for 107 Yards against Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi State).

Although Patterson should be a 1st Round pick, his skill-set is still a bit raw, and he would unlikely be a Top 10 pick in my opinion due to the risk involved in selecting a player who might not contribute early.  Yet if Patterson tears things up at The Combine, impresses at his Pro Day, and does well in each and every interview, his stock will continue to rise.  If Pittsburgh took Patterson and was able to hone his skills, the trio of him, Brown, and Sanders might form the most explosive/big-play group of Wide Receivers in the League, and make the Steelers a threat to score on any play if either made a guy miss, or got open.  While Pittsburgh would probably have to wait longer for steady Offensive production from Patterson than Allen, the former Volunteer’s upside could be too great for the Front Office to pass up if he is indeed a “B.P.A.” at #17.

Final Thoughts

Look, I am not going to sit here and say that making numbers of moves to rebuild the Defense is not the Steelers’ #1 priority this offseason.  In fact, I hope that it is indeed the Front Office’s #1 priority to pour their efforts into numerous personnel acquisitions to make Pittsburgh’s rapidly aging Defense stronger.  Yet I am not going to dismiss in any way shape or form the fact that Pittsburgh’s Offense needs significant upgrades at the Wide Receiver position.

Pittsburgh has gone the “WR in Round 1″ route twice during Colbert’s time with the Steelers (2000-present), and despite their off-field issues, Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes have enjoyed productive N.F.L. careers’.  Colbert even traded up in Round 1 back in 2006 to select Holmes after he fell out of the top 20 of the Draft, so he has illustrated that he is unafraid to pounce on a play-making pass-catcher if they fall beyond a certain range.

If the Steelers elect to fill their Defensive needs before they ultimately upgrade their Offense during the upcoming Draft process, then I would completely understand the logic behind the decision.  But keep in mind readers that Pittsburgh has rebuilding to do on the Offensive side of the ball, and that the Receiving corps will be in need of some upgrades and depth.  If that means the Steelers taking a Wide Receiver on Day 1 like Allen or Patterson, then that’s great.  Or if it means that Colbert & Co. find a mid-Round “gem,” then that’s terrific also.  One way or another though, the Steelers’ Front Office will try to find a way to upgrade their situation at Wide Receiver during this offseason.

Readers:  Should the Steelers go in Wide Receiver direction in Round 1?  Should they address the position on Day 2 or Day 3?

Players Stats Provided By Specific Team Pages: California, Tennessee, and ESPN.com

Players Contract Info. Provided By: Spotrac.com

Players Heights/Weight Provided By: CBSSports.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers used to consider themselves to be a classier organization than the other clubs in the National Football League. The Pittsburgh Steelers used to pride themselves on not having players on their team who were beset by the bad behavior and problems with the law that seem to follow some other clubs. They can’t possibly think that anymore, can they?

Recently, the Steelers had two players arrested and charged in connection with domestic violence incidents: linebacker James Harrison and backup wide receiver Cedrick Wilson. Harrison was the first to be charged, and the Steelers responded by doing nothing to their Pro Bowl player and team MVP. Then Wilson was arrested, and the team responding by cutting him immediately. For the record, let me state that a person is innocent until proven guilty, it is very easy to make an accusation, and current domestic violence laws give little consideration to the rights of the accused. But Harrison confessed to the police, and Wilson apologized in the media for his actions. Steelers chairman Dan Rooney then insulted the intelligence of me and every other football fan listening by making a statement to the media that Wilson was dropped to make an example because of the domestic violence charges, while Harrison was not dropped because his incident stemmed from a dispute over getting his baby baptized.