Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 Draft

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• Pick No. 23: Pittsburgh Steelers select Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

Pro analysis: Despite other glaring needs (O-line, secondary), the Steelers can't pass on the allure of Mendenhall. Mike Tomlin promised to run the wheels off Willie Parker last year, and unfortunately for Pittsburgh, Parker's wheels came unhinged at the end. Don't expect Parker to run for 1,500 yards again — could he even be on the trade block? — as it appears the Steelers will adapt the popular two-back platoon. But the question still remains: who will pave the way for Mendenhall and Parker and can the Steelers keep Ben Roethlisberger from being sacked 47 times in 2008?

College analysis: A great end to an outstanding junior season put Mendenhall in position to be a first-round pick. With 1,681 yards on the ground, Mendengall also ran for 155 yards against Southern California in the Rose Bowl. He showed he had the size and speed to match up with one of the top teams in the country. Mendenhall went a little lower than expected, but is in the right offense with the Steelers to show his running ability.

• Pick No. 53: Pittsburgh Steelers select WR Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

Pro analysis: Despite what seem to be obvious holes on the offensive line, the Steelers opt for another skill player in Texas WR Limas Sweed. Like Rashard Mendenhall in the first round, Pittsburgh looks to be getting good value in Sweed, whose senior season was derailed by a wrist injury. Pencil him in as Cedrick Wilson's replacement in the short run, but Sweed could eventually assume Hines Ward's role in the Steelers' attack.

88... Bruce Davis DE UCLA

130...Tony Hills OT Texas

156... Dennis Dixon QB Oregon

188... Mike Humpal LB Iowa

194... Ryan Mundy S WVU