Steelers 2nd-3rd round picks under GM Kevin Colbert

Day 2 of the NFL draft kicks off this evening and the new format gives NFL executives and front office personnel time to re-do their draft boards.

Rounds 2-3 will be selected this evening.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert is taking part in his 11th draft, since being hired by the team in February 2000. Let’s take an Inside look at Colbert’s selections in rounds 2-3.

2nd round: OT Marvel Smith

3rd Round: CB Hank Poteat

Analysis: Marvel Smith was a member of two Super Bowl winning teams and a two-time Pro Bowl selection. A versatile player who started at right and left tackle.

Hank Poteat played with the Steelers from 2000-2002 and was nothing more than a 5th or 6th cornerback with some special teams ability. Did not produce like a third round pick.

2nd Round: LB Kendrell Bell

3rd Round: No Selection

Analysis: Kendrell Bell was voted the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2001 and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2001.

He had the look of being the next great Steelers linebacker. Injuries led to a short-career with the Steelers and Bell only played with the Steelers from 2001-2004.

2nd Round: WR Antwaan Randle El

3rd Round: S Chris Hope

Analysis: Randle El and Hope were key members of the Steelers 2005 Super Bowl winning team. Hope was a hard hitting safety and a two year starter alongside Troy Polamalu.

In his final season with Pittsburgh in 2005, Hope had 69 tackles forcing one fumble, and 3 interceptions.

Hope signed a 6 year deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2006.

Randle was a prominent member of the Steelers passing game from 2002-2005 and the teams top returner on special teams. Randle threw a game-clinching 43-yard double reverse touchdown pass to Hines Ward in Super Bowl XL.

Randle El signed a 7 year deal with the Washington Redskins in 2006. He has returned to Pittsburgh, signing a 3 year deal with the team in 2010.

2nd Round: OLB Alonzo Jackson

3rd Round: No Selection

Analysis: Alonzo Jackson was a player that former head coach Bill Cowher coveted and the Steelers drafted him in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Jackson struggled mightily at making the transition from defensive end to left outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. He made no impact on the field and was cut in 2005.

2nd Round: CB Ricardo Colclough

3rd Round: LT Max Starks

Analysis: Colclough, like Jackson headlines the Steelers group of 2nd round busts. Colclough was the sixth overall pick of the second round out of Tusculum College.

He was a member of the Steelers 2005 Super Bowl winning team but is best known for a momentum-shifting muffed punt in week three of the 2006 season against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Max Starks has been a starter at left and right tackle for the Steelers two Super Bowl winning teams under Kevin Colbert.

He is currently the Steelers starting left tackle and signed a 4 year – $26 million deal last off-season.

2nd Round: CB Bryant McFadden

3rd Round: G/T Trai Essex

Analysis: McFadden never blossomed into a true shutdown corner but developed into a solid No. 2 corner.

Essex is a backup offensive lineman whose versatility is valued by the Steelers. Can play tackle and guard but is not a third round type of player.

2nd Round: No Selection

3rd Round: WR Willie Reid

3rd Round: S Anthony Smith

Analysis: An exceptional talent, Safety Anthony Smith had the look of being a star alongside Troy Polamalu. It never panned out and he’s more famous for his mouth than his play on the field. He was not tendered a contract after the 2008 season.

Reid was an excellent punt returner in college but made little impact at the NFL level and was a complete disappointment. Reid was released by the Steelers on August 30, 2008.

2nd Round: LB LaMarr Woodley

3rd Round: TE Matt Spaeth

Analysis: LaMarr Woodley is a rising star in the NFL and was a complete steal in the second round. Led the Steelers in 2009 with 13.5 sacks and has 8 sacks in four career playoff games.

Spaeth was been average during his career with the Steelers and struggles as a blocking tight end.

2nd Round: WR Limas Sweed

3rd Round: LB Bruce Davis

Analysis: Wide receiver Limas Sweed was tremendous value for the Steelers in the 2nd round but has been a complete bust during his two year career. However, it often takes wide receivers three years to develop and there is still some slight hope for him.

Sweed had 1 reception in 2009.

Linebacker Bruce Davis was a bust and failed to even make an impact on special teams. He was released after just one season.

2nd Round: No Selection

3rd Round: WR Mike Wallace

3rd Round: CB Keenan Lewis

3rd Round: G Kraig Urbik

Analysis: Wide receiver Mike Wallace has the look of being a steal in the third round. It is way too early to judge Keenan Lewis and Kraig Urbik at this point in their development.

Lewis had a back injury in 2009 that limited his development, while there are serious concerns about Urbik. Both players will be looked upon to make great strides in 2010.