If I were the GM- Pittsburgh

2009 was a disappointment for the Steelers, as the reigning Super Bowl Champs missed the playoffs.  In their defense, they were ravaged with injuries at key positions.  They missed safety Troy Polamalu for a number of games, which adversely affected their defense.  Their defensive backs were exposed with their best playmaker out of the lineup.  An underrated injury was Aaron Smith's season-ending shoulder injury.  He's one of the best 3-4 ends in the league, and his presence was missed as the season progressed.  Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed some time, which contributed to two of their losses.  I did like their moves to resign Casey Hampton and franchise kicker Jeff Reed.

This team does have many strengths to build upon.  It is not far removed from the Super Bowl winning team of a couple seasons ago.  Roethlisberger already has two Super Bowl wins as a starter, and is one of the best in the game.  Former first round pick, Rashard Mendenhall put together a solid season, and appears to be the real deal at running back.  The forever steady Hines Ward and Heath Miller return to their wide receiver and tight end positions, respectfully.  They have two talented younger wideouts in Super Bowl 43 MVP Santonio Holmes and 2009 rookie Mike Wallace.  And backup quarterback Dennis Dixon showed some promise in the Baltimore game he started.  At safety, Polamalu is one of the best in the NFL.  Their linebacking corps is terrific.  Outside backers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley are beasts.  On the inside, Lawrence Timmons and the forever-steady James Farrior are not too shady, either.

Their weaknesses were highlighted by their key injuries over the season.  They need more playmakers in the secondary.  They could also stand to get younger on the defensive line.  Pittsburgh's offensive line has needed an overhaul for the past couple of seasons, or Roethlisberger's effectiveness will be cut short.  They give up way too many hits.  Considering Ward's advanced age, I would think about taking another receiver later in the draft to grow the position.

They could go in several different directions in their draft.  Mike Iupati or Bruce Campbell would be good fits on the offensive line.  Kyle Wilson or Taylor Mays could help in the secondary.  Brian Price, Dan Williams, or Terence Cody could be good fits on the defensive line.  Sergio Kindle could fit on the linebacking corps as a potential replacement of Harrison.