Steelers/NFL
The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Missouri defensive end Evander (Ziggy) Hood with their first round pick.
Hood is the first defensive lineman to be drafted in the first round by the Steelers since Casey Hampton in 2001 and the first time the Steelers drafted a defensive end in the first round since 1988.
Going defensive line in the first round was the Steelers top priority and Hood was the Steelers top target since early Saturday morning.
Scouting Report on Evander Hood
Height: 6-2 7/8 | Weight: 300 | 40-Time: 4.89
Stats
2005: 18 tackles – 1 sack
2006: 36 tackles – 4 sacks
2007: 49 tackles – 5 sacks
2008: 62 tackles – 7 sacks
Strengths:
Hood played defensive tackle at Missouri but was drafted by the Steelers to be a defensive end in the NFL
Athletic, very good size and bulk which fits the Steelers kind of defensive end for a 3-4 scheme. Hood has an explosive first step and great quickness which has scouts optimistic that Hood will make the adjustment to defensive end in the NFL, quite easily
Best attributes — Seen as being very coachable. A Steelers type of player and is regarded as a hard worker on and off the field
Negatives: Inconsistent against the run. Needs some work in the area. Is not viewed as a difference maker, although he has the physical tools and athletic ability to become one. Production in college is not overwhelming.
Analysis: Going defensive line in the first round was a pressing need and Steelers addressed that need with the selection of Missouri defensive end Evander Hood.
All three starters on the Steelers defensive line are on the wrong side of 30.
With Brett Keisel entering the final year of his contract, Hood will be groomed into being Keisel’s replacement in 2010.
Hood is very coachable and has a great opportunity to develop his game at the next level as he won’t be a starter early in the season.
