From 1987-2003, former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Rod Woodson was known as one of the most athletic, best all-around defenders in the NFL. He understands well what offenses need and who are the hardest players to defend. So when he spoke about the Steelers needs in the upcoming NFL draft, we listened.
Woodson was candid when he said he felt like drafting defense early would be a wasted pick. He feels like adding a wide receiver, in particular one with elite speed, if the right move for Pittsburgh.
“I think it would be a wasted pick if they used it on a defensive player, Woodson said. “Their first obvious needs are receiver & running back. They need help for that offense. I think they need a receiver more, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they took a running back.”
“But when you find a quick receiver, it helps,” Woodson continues. “You can ask any defensive back, and they’ll tell you the quicker and faster receivers are harder to defend because they can create separation.”
The Steelers could take some combination of running back and wide receiver with their first two picks and go a long way toward helping the offense catch up to that elite defense.
