Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
This is the second of a three-day series examining drafts for each AFC North team over the past three years. Grades are based on performance, where players were picked (too high, too low) and whether they remain with their original team.
Here is a look at the Steelers' 2006 draft:
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Analysis: Coming off a Super Bowl, the Steelers weren't shy about upgrading their offense when they traded up to get Santonio Holmes in the first round. Last year, Holmes led the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns. Safety Anthony Smith and offensive tackle Willie Colon were both good value picks in the third and fourth rounds, respectively. Smith has four interceptions and 94 tackles in two years. Colon took over as a starting tackle last season and is battling with Max Starks for the starting role in 2008. No other player in this class has made an impact, but Pittsburgh did a decent job of finding contributors despite a lot of low-round picks.
Grade: B-
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James Walker
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch. He also covered the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Cavaliers at the Dispatch. Walker grew up in Hyattsville, Md., before attending Temple University, graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in communications and mass media. He resides in the Cleveland area.