Steelers and Dont’a Hightower can’t shake each other

Steelers and Dont’a Hightower can’t shake each other
Posted by Josh Alper on April 26, 2012, 3:49 PM EDT


The draft process is usually something like a speed dating event where teams and players find themselves linked for short times before something happens to shake things up and everyone finds a new partner.

There are exceptions, but usually at the top of the draft where teams know exactly who will be around. With teams later in the order it is rare that they start the process linked to one player and never wind up shaking that player through the combine, visits and workouts.

That’s just what has happened with the Steelers and Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower, however. Ever since it became clear that the team would be parting ways with James Farrior, you heard them linked to Hightower as the choice with the 24th overall pick. Not much has changed. Other names have been listed as possibilities, but Hightower has been the constant and, usually, he’s at the top of the list.


(Read More:) http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/26/steelers-and-donta-hightower-cant-shake-each-other/

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Bires: Steelers need to add LB (so Hightower it will be)
Posted: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 7:18 pm | Updated: 7:27 am, Thu Apr 26, 2012.
By Mike Bires

PITTSBURGH -- Even though they've won or tied for first in their division four times in the past five years, the Steelers are in a rebuilding mode. The process starts tonight when they make their first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

If they want to remain a championship contender in the AFC North, they must address issues at linebacker, offensive line, nose tackle and even running back.

"Is this a declining team?" said Mel Kiper Jr., the noted draftnik. "They're a team you would argue is on the decline. (So) this is a team that needs a strong draft."

The Steelers will not take a running back tonight even though they have no idea how much Rashard Mendenhall will be able to help in 2012 after undergoing knee surgery. But they will draft someone to help solve one of their most pressing needs.

With Casey Hampton closing in on his 35th birthday and coming off knee surgery, the Steelers need a new nose tackle. They are intrigued by Dontari Poe, the big man (6-foot-4, 345 pounds) out of Memphis. But Poe figures to be gone by the time the Steelers pick at No. 24 overall.


(Read More:) http://www.timesonline.com/columnists/sports/bires-steelers-need-to-add-lb-so-hightower-it-will/article_1c3b9773-1c5c-5d52-ab69-93735afc69b6.html

Please please please please please