April 26, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones is introduced by Steelers president Art Rooney II at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers surprisingly had many holes to fill during this draft class, and they went after as much as they could. With their first pick, they selected Jarvis Jones, a player who played extremely well but has a huge medical red flag. The Steelers looked at him to fill the hole on defense that was left by James Harrison. In the 2nd round, many people (including myself) believed that the Steelers would choose Eddie Lacy, but they went a different route and selected Le’Veon Bell as their RB instead.

With their 3rd pick, they chose WR Markus Wheaton, someone I like a lot at the WR position and think will add a very good dimension to that offense. The Steelers than traded up in the 4th round to take Shamarko Thomas. Though he is undersized, he’s very physical and a huge hitter, something the Steelers love in their defenders. The Steelers than chose a backup QB to Big Ben by drafting Landry Jones with their other 4th round pick. The Steelers then went after a CB in Terry Hawthorne, a player who has played well but is extremely inconsistent. Justin Brown was the Steelers next pick, followed by Vince Williams, both in the 6th round. The Steelers then chose Nick Williams with their last pick in the draft.

December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) reacts as he greets Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs (left) at mid-field after their game at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals made one final edition before they’re on the clock during the NFL Draft coming Thursday, and it may be as big as any addition they get this entire offseason:

We announce the official signing of free agent LB James Harrison. Mike Zimmer’s defense just got a little bit nastier. #Bengals

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) April 23, 2013

Despite missing the first three games of the 2012 season, Harrison finished tied for the team lead with six sacks and had two forced fumbles.

Pro Football Focus ranked Harrison as the 10th-best outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme last season in a whopping 837 snaps. They also ranked Harrison third overall against the run, and his 40 stops were the fourth-most by and 3-4 outside linebacker.

If Harrison can even play close to the level he was playing at last season, he’ll be a significant upgrade at the SAM spot, and help the Bengals defense become “nastier”.

Here is Marvin Lewis’ statement on the addition of Harrison:

James has been a dominant player on a team with a history of dominant defense. He has made a great number of game-deciding plays, and he brings us help in a position area we had planned to improve either through the draft or with a veteran signing. He will be a physical player against the run and will improve our pressure on the quarterback.

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December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) reacts to the fans as he takes the field against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It’s finally done. James Harrison is coming to Cincinnati to play for the Bengals after 10 years of terrorizing them as a Pittsburgh Steeler, but was it the right move? We got some of our staff together and posed this very question:

“What are your thoughts on former Pittsburgh Steeler James Harrison playing for the Bengals?”

Alex Peterman

With Harrison staying in the AFC North, he will get to face his former team in two primetime games next season, as the Bengals and Steelers will look for bragging rights, a shot at the playoffs, and quite possibly the AFC North crown.

In joining Cincinnati’s top 10 defense, Harrison brings with him five consecutive pro bowl appearances from 2007-2011. He was also listed as a first team All-Pro in 2010.

His 60 sacks since 2007 and his experience under the spotlight will give the Bengals another key addition to their stout defense. Perhaps more importantly, it will give Cincinnati something they have been missing on the defensive side of the ball: A vocal leader.

One thing is certain. In at least two games next season, Ben Roethlisberger may want to get rid of the football just a little bit quicker.

Joe Johnson

I do not like the idea of signing James Harrison. He is too old. Would I take him if he were 4 or 5 years younger? Yes. He was at one time one of the best linebackers in the league. He had that 100 yard pick six in Super Bowl XLIII. He has always had a very high motor. He was a great player when he was younger, and if we were having this discussion 4 or 5 years ago, I would say absolutely, but he is just too old now.