Pro Football Weekly and Riddell present ...
2002 NFL draft
Steelers add options on offensive line
Simmons gives Pittsburgh another versatile lineman
By Andy Hanacek, Associate editor
April 20, 2002
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| I truly like what the Steelers did with their first-round pick, taking
Auburn OL Kendall Simmons, a player who, along with current Steelers OL Oliver Ross, gives
them tremendous depth and versatility on the offensive line. Simmons played guard and
tackle in college and was originally slated to take up residence at those positions in the
NFL. But league scouts had Simmons work out at center recently, and Simmons proved he
could play well enough at that position to drive his stock up.
Simmons joins a team with an offensive line that is at the top of the league in terms
of production. Excellent run blocking and pass protection are almost a given with this
line, and the addition of Simmons almost ensures that.
While Simmons isn’t as much of a so-called sure thing as some of the other draft
entrants such as Mike Williams or Bryant McKinnie, his versatility gives him a multitude
of opportunities.
The Steelers’ offensive line isn’t an aging group, though OT Wayne Gandy is
31 and C Jeff Hartings is approaching 30. Look for the Steelers to prep Ross for
Gandy’s spot and Simmons for Hartings’ spot someday down the line.
The Steelers do have some minor needs, such as finding a younger safety to apprentice
under Brent Alexander and finding another option for the third WR role. But those spots
can be filled later, which we should expect the Steelers to do. Also, this year’s
draft would be a great time to add a young quarterback to groom behind Kordell Stewart and
Tommy Maddox if the Steelers aren’t sold on Tee Martin. |
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