Aug 31st 2008 5:50PM by JJ Cooper (author feed)
Filed under: Giants, Patriots, Steelers, AFC NorthThree seasons ago, everyone knew the Steelers desperately needed a wide receiver in the draft. It was a glaring enough need that everyone assumed the Steelers would take a wideout in the first round, which meant the Steelers were linked to three names: Santonio Holmes, Chad Jackson and Sinorce Moss.

With Antwaan Randle El leaving in free agency, it was hard to find a mock draft that didn’t have the Steelers taking one of the three. And several suggested the Steelers would trade up to get Jackson.

Good job by the Steelers to pick the right guy.

Three years later, Holmes appears ready to challenge for a spot in the Pro Bowl this year. The other two potential Steelers picks rank as big-time busts. Jackson has just been released by the Patriots and Moss just barely made the Giants roster–he was considered in danger of being cut this week.

Holmes was considered the surest bet, based on his extremely productive career at Ohio State. Jackson was considered the riskier pick with the highest upside–as he put on a show at the scouting combine, and Moss was considered a useful wideout/returner, although his size meant he may be more of a slot receiver.Continue Reading