Steelers needs and Darnell Dockett
NFL Draft Mailbag
February 2, 2004
Lou Pickney, DraftKing.com
Reader feedback is always welcomed here at DraftKing.com. Sent your thoughts to me at LouPickney@gmail.com.
From: Timothy Gerbig
Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2004 9:33 PM
To: Lou Pickney
Subject: Draft order
Hey King, The actual draft order at the end of the 1st is Philly 28, Indy 29, KC 30. Also, there's no way Indy would let a player like Darnell Dockett fall out of the 1st round after his Senior Bowl performance. Athletic, which is big for Dungy's system, quickly gaining bulk (290+ now, 300 by draft day), and everyone who plays against him says he's surprisingly powerful. If, somehow, Indy let him go, the Chiefs would thank them for the next 12 years.
Lou: Darnett Dockett is an interesting player. He was overshadowed by the LB corps at Florida State, and while he did perform well in the Senior Bowl, his performance at the combines will be much more instrumental in determining if he can sneak into the bottom of the first round of the draft. The Colts could use a strong DT to help stop the run, but the team faces a much more pressing need at corner (particularly depending on how Indy does at retaining its forthcoming free agents).
From: Simpkiss, Kenneth MAJ
Sent: Monday, February 2, 2004 12:56 PM
To: Lou Pickney
Subject: Steeler Question
Sir, I'm just curious with so many mocks having us going for a RB or CB in the 1st round, what has you believing we'll snag a DE. Just curious. Thanks
Lou: I actually talked with Major Simpkiss over e-mail about this issue, but it's worth addressing on here. The Steelers need to upgrade their pass rushing in 2004, and if both Kenechi Udeze and Will Smith are on the board it would seem tough for the Steelers to pass on either of them. My expectation would be for Pittsburgh to pursue a cornerback in free agency, and go for a second round running back (perhaps Northern Illinois' Michael Turner). Bill Cowher knows that another year out of the playoffs won't sit well with the Pittsburgh faithful, and the aforementioned track seems like the best toward a quick return to the post-season.
