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The Steelers had a good year but definitely were disappointing in the playoffs as they got knocked out by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the "Don't Go For Two Game" as some people might call it as Tomlin's strategy of going for two made Josh Scobee's last minute field goal the game winning field goal instead of just tying the game.  While the rookie coach caught some heat for that move, he was pretty consistent last season and should have the Steelers playing the same type of way next season.  They have re-signed Ben Roethlisberger to a big long term contract so they are set behind center it seems for awhile. They have however lost offensive guard Alan Faneca to free agency along with a few others who are pretty minor to the team.  The Steelers are well known as bargain hunters when it comes down to free agency so there is a good chance they will address much of their needs in the draft.

The Steelers are sitting on the #23 slot in this year's NFL Draft.  It gets much tougher to mock this late in the round but the experts and I are looking at Sam Baker, the offensive lineman coming out of USC.  He is pretty good value this late in the first round and should help to lessen the blow of the Steelers losing Faneca to the Jets.  The Steelers also need to fortify their defensive line and I believe they need to get a little deeper at running back as I see that position somewhat deficient but I am a minority in that respect.  But I think it would be wise to get a gritty tackle to tackle running back perhaps near the end of the first day of the draft.

1.  Ben Roethlisberger QB-  He's not my favorite fantasy quarterback but the stats were just too great last year and Big Ben seems to be maturing very well and is definitely their leader on the field.  I think he'll be too expensive a fantasy pick for me but you never know what will happen on fantasy draft day.

2.  Hines Ward WR-  Ward is still Ben's #1 target despite a down year partially due to missing 3 games to injury last season.  Ward is recovering from off season knee surgery but should still be a reliable target when he returns.

3. Santonio Holmes WR-  Holmes showed his mettle last season and actually led the Steelers in touchdowns (8).  I see no reason he can't improve upon his numbers although if Ward is healthly I don't see Holmes outscoring Ward next year again.

4. Willie Parker/Najeh Davenport RB- Another case where if you could combine their stats they would make one heck of a running back.  Unfortunately though seperately both are lacking.  Parker almost attained 1500 total yards however only scored 2 TD's.  Davenport was the exact opposite, less than 500 rushing yards but 7 total touchdowns.  Parker is the starter and should be drafted first and probably somewhat early, however be aware of this abnormality in the Steelers backfield.

5. Heath Miller TE- One more touchdown reception and Heath Miller would have tied for the most on the team with Holmes.  Miller is not the uppermost echelon of tight ends but definitely a producer with a nose for the endzone and a fantasy starter.

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