Steelers select Evander Hood
April 25, 2009
With the 32nd pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Evander Hood, DT, Missouri.
Hood is a 6’3″ 300 lb. defensive tackle. Despite his large size, Hood is quite athletic. He plays with a constant motor and never gives up on a play. Hood displays a variety of pass rush moves.
Evander "Ziggy" Hood
Hood doesn’t jump out at you on film, but he is a solid player who doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. He had a very good showing at the Senior Bowl, which may have elevated his status.
Hood is too small to play NT, so the Steelers probably project him as a DE. While he is a tad short, I had him as the 4th rated 3-4 DE in the draft. I felt that Tyson Jackson, Fili Moala, Robert Ayers, Ziggy Hood, Sen’Derrick Marks, and then Jarron Gilbert were the top six 3-4 defensive ends in this draft.
Hood was a 4-year player at Missouri. He got progressively better throughout his career. As a senior, he had 62 tackles. Eight of those tackles were for a loss. He also had 5 sacks during his senior year.
This is a good pick for the Steelers. Yet, they still have more needs on the defensive line. All of their starters are over 30 years old. I wouldn’t be surprised if they picked up either Fili Moala or Jarron Gilbert in the 2nd round (if either is still available at pick #64).
Of course, the Steelers have other needs as well. I would guess that defensive back will be a consideration at #64 as well. The Steelers must come out of this draft with a safety. Their need for a CB is still there, though it is less pressing since they signed Keiwan Ratliff yesterday.
To read about the Steelers’ next pick, click here.
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