Monday, April 28, 2008

Steelers Draft Day 2

Closer look at who the Steelers drafted on the second day of the 73rd NFL draft

Monday, April 28, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

No. 3: BRUCE DAVIS

Position: OLB • Ht: 6-2 1/2 • Wt: 252 • School: UCLA



The skinny: Played right defensive end for the Bruins' 4-3 defense but projects to linebacker in the Steelers' 3-4. ... Father Bruce played offensive tackle for the Raiders in the late 1970s and Oilers in the 1980s. ... Steelers hope to groom him the way they did other converted DEs, but also plan to use him to spot starters LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison this year. ... Had 24 1/2 sacks the past two seasons at UCLA at DE after playing some OLB as a sophomore. ... Used as OLB at Senior Bowl; Steelers say he also can play ILB but will put him at OLB. ... Native of Houston, Texas.

No. 4: TONY HILLS

• Position: OT • Ht: 6-5 • Wt: 309 • School: Texas



The skinny: Considered more of a finesse left tackle than a power blocker. ... Has had problems with drop foot and has had various injuries, including major knee injury, since his high school days. Steelers believe he's recovered from all fully. ... Has good size and arm length for the position. ... Steelers say Texas coaches told them he's better than former Longorn LT Jonathan Scott, a starter for the Detroit Lions. ... Needs to work on his lower body strength, which was limited because of past injuries.

No. 5: DENNIS DIXON

• Position: QB • Ht: 6-3 1/2 • Wt: 198 • School: Oregon



The skinny: Surprise pick for a team that just paid $102 million to its 26-year-old starting quarterback, and has veteran Charlie Batch at No. 2. ... Has a strong arm and would have been a much higher draft choice except that his ACL was torn and he missed the final three games because of it. ... Atlanta Braves drafted him in the fifth round in 2007 and he played the outfield for them last summer in Orlando. He said football is his passion and baseball no longer in his plans. ... Has a great upside and Steelers can be patient with him. ... Steelers plan to keep him at QB and not try him as a "Slash.''

No. 6: MIKE HUMPAL

• Position: LB • Ht: 6-2 1/2 • Wt: 244 • School: Iowa



The skinny: He started the past two seasons at weakside outside linebacker for the Hawkeyes in their 4-3 defense. ... Not a pass rusher and had one career sack. ... Had 123 tackles last season. ... Will play inside linebacker for the Steelers, but can help himself and them by playing on special teams first.

No. 6: RYAN MUNDY

• Position: FS • Ht: 6-0 1/2 • Wt: 208 • School: West Virginia



The skinny: Woodland Hills High School graduate from Wilkins. ... He played four seasons at Michigan, where he started 18 games and graduated. Under a rule since rescinded, he was permitted to transfer and play immediately at West Virginia because he had graduated. ... Smart player who picked up Mountaineers' defensive scheme quickly and called the plays. ... Good size for the position and decent speed in the 4.5 range.

First published on April 28, 2008 at 12:00 am

No comments: