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View Full Version : Steelers Lounge: 2010 Draft Class Already Paying Dividends



stillers4me
11-04-2010, 06:30 PM
Posted on November 4, 2010 (http://www.steelerslounge.com/2010/11/steeler-2010-draft-class-paying-huge-dividends-deep-team/) by ted (http://www.steelerslounge.com/author/ted/)


No NFL draft class should be judged until at least three full seasons are complete. However, the 2010 Steelers’ draft class has immediately made an already deep roster even better, since eight of 10 picks are still with the Steelers , and five have made major contributions to the Steelers’ 5-2 start.

That marks the most players offering significant contributions as rookies from a Pittsburgh draft class since the 2002 class ultimately had six players earn playing time that fall.

This is somewhat surprising because the Steelers had fortified their depth through their uncharacteristic but pleasant high rate of off-season activity that brought in veteran additions Larry Foote, Antwaan Randle El, Will Allen, Aranz Battle and Jonathan Scott through free agency, as well as Bryant McFadden and Byron Leftwich through trades. Furthermore, historically the Steelers do not play rookies very often.
Still, the Steelers are currently tied for the AFC North lead and are a legit Super Bowl contender, in large part due to the contributions of their 2010 draft class. Let’s take a look at how those players are faring:

1. Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida: Has started every game, upgrading the caliber of play at center the Steelers had not seen since Jeff Hartings retired following the 2006 season. Pouncey is already close to being a Pro Bowl-level player and his presence was a key reason Pittsburgh was able to run the ball successfully in the first four games while superstar quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended. Pouncey should be a star center for the next decade.......................


http://www.steelerslounge.com/2010/11/steeler-2010-draft-class-paying-huge-dividends-deep-team/