The second round of the 2010 NFL draft has come and gone for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they certainly did not draft for need in this round.

They chose Virginia Tech linebacker Jason Worilds, who stands at 6’1 and weighs in at 257 pounds. Like his predecessors at the position, Worilds did not play linebacker in college, but rather defensive end.

But the Steelers have a long tradition of drafting undersized defensive college ends and turning them into outside linebackers in their 3-4 system.

Forsaking Need?

After offensive line, defensive back is the Steelers greatest area of need and many expected them to go for a corner in the second round. However, four defensive backs were taken when the Steelers turn came to select, including Virgina Corner Chris Cook, whom Ed Bouchette suggested the Steeler were targeting in PG Plus.

Minnesota traded up all the way to the second slot in the second round to pick Cook, a player with great potential but who was plagued by injury and academic problems as a Cavalier.

Best Player Available?

Given the Steelers needs in other areas, one can only assume that they picked Jason Worilids because they felt he was the best player available. And that is not a bad strategy, as long as you get the right man.

In the 2007 draft the Steelers took Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley in the first and second rounds, even though they did not have an apparent need at linebacker and had more pressing needs elsewhere.

Woodley is of course on track to be an All Pro, and while Timmons has been less consistent, he has shown the ability to make plays.

Depth Also A “Need”

While picking a DB would have been ideal, the Steelers have no depth behind Woodley and James Harrison – an injury to either one would force Lawrence Timmons back to the outside. Timmons can play on the outside, but this move give them flexibility and security – provided Worilds can play.

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