The Steelers have not drafted a defensive lineman in the first three rounds since nose tackle Casey Hampton was picked in the first round in 2001. It's no wonder their three-man defensive line, while good, is getting old. Of their top six players, five are 30 or over, including all three starters.

If the Steelers do not pay attention soon, their line will have their retirement party together and the Steelers are left with nothing. Hampton will be 32 at the start of the 2009 season and will not last long because of his weight and the stress of that position. Defensive end Aaron Smith has been a rock for them for many years but he's 33.

Drafting a defensive end is a priority. So too is a center, cornerback and wide receiver. Fortunately for the Steelers, those positions are deep in this year's draft.

Pittsburgh has a long history of outstanding center play, and longevity as well. It began with Ray Mansfield in the 1960s, then Mike Webster and then Dermontti Dawson. Jeff Hartings made two Pro Bowls succeeding Dawson but after his retirement after the 2006 season, the position has not been a strong one. Sean Mahan was a one-year starter in 2007 and Justin Hartwig took over last year.

It's evident the Steelers will draft someone they believe can take over their center position and turn it back into an asset. They've looked closely at a handful of centers, beginning with Alex Mack and continuing through Eric Wood, Max Unger and A.Q. Shipley.

Pittsburgh lost starting cornerback Bryant McFadden to Arizona in free agency. William Gay will step into the spot but they need depth because former starter Deshea Townsend, now No. 3, will be 34 when the season opens and there's really no one behind him.

Someone like Ladarius Webb of Nicholls State would fit them because he can play safety or in the slot in the nickel and dime defenses. Depth at safety also is not strong.

Pittsburgh is counting on Limas Sweed, their second pick in 2008, to fill the void left by the departure of free agent Nate Washington. There is little after their top three receivers so they will draft one somewhere and try to get one that also can return kickoffs and/or punts.

And while they remain strong at linebacker with five good ones, the Steelers always look to fill that spot because it's so important in a defense that starts four 'backers.

TEAM NEEDS: Defensive line, offensive line, cornerback, wide receiver, linebacker.

DL -- They're good but getting old fast and the Steelers have not made this area a priority in the draft for years. It's time they start. Casey Hampton might not have long left at nose tackle at 32 but the Steelers also need to find an end to spell, if not replace, Aaron Smith (33).

OL -- The line already is considered a weakness, and the age factor applies here, too. The Steelers have concentrated on centers and tackles in the weeks leading up to the draft and it'd be a major upset if they don't add multiple offensive linemen in this draft.

CB -- There's little depth and there's not a Pro Bowl candidate in sight so this will be another position to watch. William Gay will start and he's still an unknown, while 34-year-old Deshea Townsend is the only quality backup.

WR -- As long as Limas Sweed cuts it, the Steelers should be OK. The problem is, the Steelers don't know if he's up to the task. There's not a No. 4 on the horizon and they need to find one. The Steelers want a combination punt/kick returner at this position, too.

LB -- Larry Foote enters his final season and James Farrior, productive as he's been, could age quickly. NFL defensive player of the year James Harrison will be 31 after just two years as their Pro Bowl starter.