Steelers Draft DT Evander Hood With First Pick

Saturday, April 25th, 2009 at 6:35 pm by Dave Bryan

The Steelers drafted Missouri defensive tackle Evander "Ziggy" Hood with their first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The pick was the 32nd selection overall.
Height and weight: 6-foot-3, 300 pounds

Position: Defensive tackle

Hometown: Amarillo, Texas (Palo Duro HS)

Senior year: 62 tackles (31 solo), 5 sacks, 7 tackles for losses, 2 fumble recoveries

Career: 170 tackles (98 solo), 15½ sacks, 22½ tackles for losses, 5 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries

Honors: First-team All-Big 12, second-team Academic All-Big 12

NFL Combine Stats: 4.83 seconds (40-yard dash), 34 reps (bench press), 33 inches (vertical leap), 9-feet (broad jump), 7.5 seconds (3 cone drill), 4.55 seconds (20 Yard Shuttle)

Tailor-made for the Steelers. Smart, passionate, physical and durable, Ziggy Hood started 35 of the 50 games he played at Missouri, including the last 31 of his college career. He understands the game, recognizes blocking schemes and is a quick learner.

Hood has flashes a good initial burst off the snap and does well lining up over the center, but needs to learn to keep his pads low. He often pops straight up on the snap, making it easier for offensive linemen to get their hands in his chest.

Scouts say he enjoys the hand-to-hand combat in the trenches, doesn’t back down, and has good lateral quickness. Outgoing and a self-starter, the team captain was one of the players younger teammates looked up to. Hood is highly competitive, and returned to the field quickly in 2006 after breaking a foot and having a screw inserted, playing at less than 100 percent.