Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the Pittsburgh Steelers, with heavy input from Matt Miller and David Gardner of NewEraScouting.com.     

Offensive guard:  Losing Alan Faneca hurts, even though everyone knew it was coming.  The team needs a replacement.  Branden Albert would be their preference, but he doesn’t expect to stay on the board until pick No. 23.  Pittsburgh could look at Roy Schuening, a big mauler from Oregon State, in round two.  The team is also rumored to like Chilo Rachal of USC.

Offensive tackle:  Max Starks finally signed his transition tag, but how long will he be in Pittsburgh?  Starks is under contract for only one year, but also lost his starting job last season to Willie Colon.  Pittsburgh could look to add a dominant right tackle, such as Gosder Cherilus of Boston College, in the first round.  The team has also take long looks at local prospect Jeff Otah, of Pitt.

Inside linebacker:  James Farrior is finally slowing down after a very good career.  Besides, in the Steelers’ 3-4 scheme, the team can never have enough linebackers.  Larry Foote has been a good starter, but he is nothing amazing, especially against the run.  The Steelers can load up this year with linebackers on the inside and out, but the focus should be on replacing Farrior.  Pittsburgh has been linked to Dan Connor of Penn State. The team has also looked at Curtis Lofton of Oklahoma, who could be had in round two.  Philip Wheeler is another player whom the team likes.  The Georgia Tech star is a third round prospect.

Outside linebacker:  The 2007 draft saw Pittsburgh spend their first two picks on pass rushers Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley.  Timmons was unspectacular, making only two tackles on the season.  Loodley played well, logging four sacks in spot duty, and could take over for Clark Haggans, who signed with the Cardinals.  Pittsburgh would like to add a true pass rusher via the draft.  The team has looked at Quentin Groves of Auburn and Curtis Gatewood of Vanderbilt.  Thomas Howard of Georgia is another player to watch.

Wide receiver:   Ben Roethlisberger wants a big receiver.  The team also lacks talent behind starters Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes.  Pittsburgh brought in Mario Urrutia for a visit, the 6′6″ threat from Louisville.  He’s a mid-round prospect.