Santonio Holmes
Wide Receiver-Ohio State
1st Round – 25th Overall

How does it feel to follow in the foot-steps of other great wide receivers out of Ohio State?

It's a pleasure. It's an honor to be in the same class as the great receivers that have been from [Ohio State]. They have accomplished what they set out for and now to have my name associated with those guys is a blessing.

 What do you know about the Steelers' wide receivers and how will you fit in?

I've been a Steelers fan for the past 10 or 11 years and I know that those guys are very hard working.  I love the great job that Hines Ward does blocking and making big plays and not complaining about anything and setting a goal of making 1000 yards [receiving] each year. And the rest of the guys are willing to follow and make a contribution to the team no matter what it is.

Are you excited about being a kick returner?

I'm ready for it. I've been looking forward to it. I couldn't be at a better spot right now than to fill in and be able to return kicks and be a wide receiver for those guys.

Where do you fit in for the Steelers?

Right now I'm looking forward to coming in and being the starting wide receiver and making as many plays as possible, whether it's returning kicks or playing wide receiver.

What is your biggest asset?

My biggest asset is my ability to block, like what Hines Ward does. Also, my ability to go deep and stretch the field.

What's your favorite block?

My favorite block is the one we had the reverse on and also the run that [Antonio] Pittman had. I think I played a big role in both of those. I really sacrificed myself for those guys.

Did the Steelers talk to you about easing down on the show boating?

No, we didn't talk about it and they know that I'm not a very flashy guy. I'm one of the most respected guys on the football field.

Who in the NFL are you most like?

Marvin Harrison, because he has very deceptive speed right now and he also stretches the field as much as possible and no one really knows. He really gets the job done and that's the same thing I do when I'm on the field. I don't really talk very much, but I get the job done.

Is this the team you would have hoped to go to?

I've been a Steelers fan since 1995 and I'm very excited about it. I had no doubt that I would drop to 25 but when I got that final phone call saying that I would be a Steeler, I was very excited from then on.

Why are you a Steelers fan?

It's the way the teams plays, the things that they accomplish together as a team, as a family.  It is the same things that I've accomplished at a high school level and at college, playing at Ohio State. It's the things I've been looking to be a part of—a family, a great team, and people that work together.

When do you plan to come to Pittsburgh?

We are talking right now, and it will probably be in a week or two.

What position are you most comfortable in—wide out or flanker?

Where ever they need me to play, I'm open. If they need me to be the big guy on the outside or the guy on the inside, like [Antwaan] Randle El, then I'm very open for it.

Did you get the feeling that the Steelers were interested?

After they traded [Antwaan] Randle El, I knew they would need another guy to make plays. I  was very open for it and dropping this low in the draft, I couldn't be put in a better position than playing for the Steelers.

Were you getting upset about dropping low in the Draft?

My agent set me up for the good and the bad that maybe I would be selected in the Top 15 or that I would drop as low as 24 or 25.

Draft books say that you drop too many passes, do you need improvement?

I don't think I need to improve because I haven't had too many opportunities to catch many passes. I only caught 53 this year and maybe only dropped about 5. I know this isn't a good thing, but at the same time I've been able to make the plays down the field.

Do you block much?

I'm feeling that is probably the main reason why the [Steelers] picked me, because of my ability to block and my toughness. I'm looking forward to getting in there, making plays and blocking.

What is your feeling about Ben Roethlisberger?

The thing about Ben is what he's accomplished in Ohio and in the couple years in the NFL. There can't be much more said about him.  He's a complete guy and he's able to pass the ball and run the field. He doesn't just throw to just one guy.

Is your block in the Bowl game against Notre Dame your favorite?

I was getting a lot of good feedback from that play. People were telling me that I looked like Hines Ward. I respect him for the things that he's done and that's a great way to be compared to somebody.

Sometimes there isn't enough passing to the wide receivers, does that bother you?

Not at all, because the three teams I've played on, in high school and college and now, I've been a part of that all my life. I'm sacrificing for the team, not just myself.  I've only been able to catch 30 passes in high school and 40 passes in college, so I won't look for anything less than just being a team player at the next level.

 

Coach Cowher and Kevin Colbert
RE: Santonio Holmes
Wide Receiver, Ohio State
1st Round – 25th Overall

Kevin Colbert: We are very pleased to add a player like Santonio Holmes to our team. I think we spoke earlier during free agency when Antwaan [Randle El] left, we said it would take a couple players to replace him unless you can find somebody that could do the things he could do. In Santonio Holmes, we think we did find that player. We're very excited to select him. That's why we were willing to trade up to get him. It was a player that we valued very highly. We did what we had to do to make sure that he was going to be with us. We're very excited. He'll give us a deep threat as a receiver but he's also a solid big-play return guy. It's very exciting to add this kind of guy to our team.

Why did it take more to move up in this year's draft than in previous years?

Colbert: When you're sitting as the 32nd pick it's not real valuable. We knew it would cost us more than it had in previous years. As we said before, we don't follow a value chart. If we want a player we're going to go get him. We were very willing to do that because we have three fours [fourth-round draft picks] and we traded the one that we could trade. We knew that it would involve a third [round pick]. With a player of that quality, there was no hesitation in being able to make that move.

Does his attitude bother you at all?

Coach Cowher: No, you could say that about a lot of these guys that were high-profile guys out of college. We've dealt with those types of players before. I have no problem with Santonio. He's a guy that comes from a big program. He's been very productive at a high level. Look at his production and look at his speed, it was a very unique combination. We wanted to get a returner and a speed receiver and he was probably the one guy on the board that is proven in both of those areas. Like Kevin said, we gave up a fourth and we had three fours. The one we gave up, we got to more picks within five picks right after that one. I think it was a case of having an opportunity to get the player that we had [at the top of the board]. Like last year, we had the top tight end on the board and [this year] we were able to get the top receiver on the board and it happened to fit a need.

Was there a point in the draft where you started to get interested in trading up to get Holmes?

Cowher: We were doing a lot of calling today, let's put it that way.

Which teams were you worried about taking Holmes?

Colbert: I don't think we were worried about anybody because when you have a player of certain value, what you're saying is that you're willing to pick him at 25. Really, it's a matter of securing that player. You never know. You can look at the teams that are in front of you. You can guess what they want but there are also teams, like Buffalo coming up from the second round. There are so many teams behind you. You can't guess. What you have to do is say, 'Would you be willing to take this guy at 25 and what are you willing to do to get there?' So really, it wasn't a matter of worrying about another team but just wanting to make that pick for our team.

Is he a kick returner and a punt returner?

Cowher: Yes.

Are you picking offense to stay ahead of the other teams in your division?

Colbert: We didn't think about the division. At least I don't remember a conversation about the division and getting this guy to stay ahead of him. It was just a player that we felt really was a good player and did fill a need. When you have that combination it's easy to go get him.

Cowher: Really, to be honest with you. We don't worry about other people. We have to worry about ourselves. That will take enough of our focus to worry about ourselves. We can't concern ourselves with other teams.

Will he help you at play split end or flanker?

Cowher: We have a good situation with Cedrick [Wilson], the way he came on at the end of the season. He'll have a chance to come in and be around a bunch of quality receivers, particularly a guy like Hines [Ward] who can mold a player of that nature. [Holmes] is a tough kid. He'll block. I think it's going to create a competitive situation and he's another weapon for our quarterback. I think you have to give Ben [Roethlisberger] an opportunity to get a guy that can stretch the field. We have some guys now with Heath [Miller] being able to occupy the middle. Hines, you know what he's been able to do. Cedrick has been able to do that as well. I don't know if you can do enough of that. We aren't going to get away from running the football. We aren't changing our approach to the game. We need to be able to do that efficiently. If we are able to do that efficiently then its going create some one-on-one situations and we have to get some people out there who can make plays. We feel like this is a guy that will have an opportunity to provide us with another threat.

Did anything really jump out about him?

Colbert: Santonio Holmes is someone that we knew about for a long time. You don't evaluate underclassmen but when somebody steps out and continues to make plays it gets your attention even before they're draft eligible. It's not like he's not been a good player. He's been a good player throughout his whole career. Once he declared for the draft we begin the [evaluation] process. He didn't work out at the combine but he did work out at Ohio State. The interviews were good. His productivity was something that we knew we'd never a chance of [drafting] this guy at 32. We never thought we would. When he presents himself and you have an opportunity you'd better go get him.

Did you consider trading up for anybody else?

Colbert: We really had our eyes on him. He was someone that we talked about. If he was going to be available then we'll go get him.

Can he throw?

Colbert: Actually he can. I'm thinking back to his work out and seeing him throw the ball back to the quarterback, yes.

What kind of speed does he have?

Cowher: Fast.

Colbert: Mid 4.3.

Is he a physical player?

Cowher: He tries to be. He's an aggressive player.

Is it your mindset in the draft to get the best player at a position?

Colbert: We are more interested in quality than we are quantity. He's a big play guy. The more of those guys you have, the better chance you're going to have. I don't know if we go into it [with that mind-set]. If we can get the top rated player at his position then we think we've done well. Hopefully it works out.

Will you trade back into the third round?

Colbert: We'd have to get an extended line of credit for that. We can't really do anything with the two fours that we have and the one fifth [round pick]. Really we're kind of limited in what we could do but we'll see. It's less likely.

Where you guys considering taking LenDale White?

Colber: Sure. He is a good player. There's no question about that. When it comes down to it we try to figure out how many guys are going to be available to us as we get closer. When you have the guy that's there and available and you have a team that's willing to trade and you want him then you should do it.

Did anything allow you think that he would fall to 25?

Colbert: No. Once he got passed the middle there you're saying maybe he will. Until that point it's a little unrealistic to think that you'll be able to go up. Once you get into that range then it's a possibility. The further it goes, the more probable it became.

Did White's report have an affect your view of him?

Colbert: No. I'm not going to comment on that. You never want to give credence to rumors about any player.

Was White still an option for you guys this morning?

Colbert: Absolutely.

What are Holmes x-factors or abilities that stand out?

Cowher: He's a very good route runner. He's a very polished receiver. He has a way of separating. He's very quick in and out of cuts. He's got good hands, excellent speed. If there's anything that's a negative against the guy, it's probably his size. He's not a real big guy but he plays big. He's got good hands and he's a very good route runner.

Is he a guy that maybe should put on a little weight?

Cowher: I am not concerned about that as long as he keeps running fast.

How good is his blocking?

Cowher: He is an effort blocker.

What are your expectations for him this year?

Cowher: We really don't have one. I think it is just let him come in and we will line him up. Right now, we have Cedrick Wilson and Hines (Ward) with the first group. Nate Washington is another guy with Quincy (Morgan) when he gets back from the injury. We still have Sean Morey. I don't know if we have any expectations. I think that is the thing right now, he can come in here and he has some quality receivers in front of him, he has to learn this offense and feel comfortable within that and then his skills will take over. What happens after that will be totally up to how quickly he adapts and what he is able to do on the field.  The rest of it, in my mind, will take care of itself.

As a return guy, is there much of a learning factor?

Cowher: Oh, yes. I think he will back there returning punts along with Ricardo Colclough and he has also done kickoffs, and we still have Quincy [Morgan] able to go back there as well. I put a lot of credence into returns. As you saw last year, I think returns can turn around a game. That is something that we wanted to come out of this first day with, getting some type of returner. We lost a pretty good one, in my mind, in Antwaan [Randle El]. This guy has the potential to be a very good one, but only time will tell.

Did the Giants use that chart that you referred to?

Colbert: I don't know if they did or not. We called and talked to them a few picks before their pick and exchanged some ideas and went back and forth and made what was really our best offer, the best offer we could make. They thought about it for awhile and we were able to get it done with a couple minutes left. 

Do most teams use the point system?

Colbert: I don't know. We don't. 

Who does the talking?

Colbert: It is usually a combination. Sometimes there are different conversations going on with different teams so Coach [Cowher] may call someone, I may call someone and [Pro Scouting Coordinator] Doug [Whaley] may have someone on the phone. Most of the time you're talking to more than one team.

Do you work the deal with [Giants' general manager] Ernie Accorsi?

Colbert: Yeah, you do it will Ernie and then turn it into the league, make sure both teams turn it in.

 

Bruce Arians
RE: Santonio Holmes
Wide Receiver, Ohio State
1st Round – 25th Overall

Did you draft him for speed as much as need?

Coach Arians:  I think that it is both. We obviously had a position to fill and we got fortunate for having the highest-rated receiver on the board to fall that far. Obviously, when you are talking about wide receivers in this league you need speed and you have to be able to catch the football. He possesses the ability to do everything: play outside, play inside and be a return man in both kickoffs and punts. He is an every down player who is a very exciting player. He is a very willing blocker for his size and we're really excited about him. 

Did he play much slot receiver there?

Yes, you like to have interchangeable parts. He played in the slot some and has the quickness and speed and he is tough enough to play inside. I think once he was in a bunch formation when he split Notre Dame for the touchdown. But yes, he is fine in there. We have interchangeable parts where you can't focus in on one guy in one spot. We will be able to move guys around.

Typically rookie receivers have had a hard time their first year being real productive?

I think sometimes you put too high of an expectation on a guy. Again, he is coming into an offense where the primary focus is to run the football. So is he going to catch 100 footballs? No, but he should be able to break games open for us and be a big-play type of guy and draw some attention away from some other guys.

Compare the blocking of Santonio Holmes to Chad Jackson?

I think that they are different styles of guys. Chad (Jackson) played in two different offensives and is a heck of a player. I think that Santonio is a little bit more of a complete player at this stage and his return ability just adds to his ability to stay on the field for more plays.

Were you getting excited about possibly drafting Holmes?

Yes, I was getting real excited. It was kind of the dream. Everybody thought of the scenario that he could slide far because of the need of receivers with just he and Chad and Sinorice (Moss) being there. It was just a perfect fit for us.

When did you get fired up about the pick?

I started jumping around at about pick 14 when Denver took a quarterback and Philadelphia took the defensive tackle. I said, 'All right we have a shot.'

There is a lot of depth at the wide receiver position. Can you talk about that?

There's going to be great competition on the field and usually competition brings success. Obviously there aren't enough balls to go around. Somebody is always upset on Monday. The competition part of it is going to be outstanding at training camp.

Is he able to still be aggressive because of his size?

You don't have to be a real big guy to be aggressive. Hines (Ward) is not that big and he is notably the most aggressive receiver in the league. Santonio is probably 10 to 15 pounds lighter but he is strong and real wirey. It's more effort. You block with your heart. It's all about heart. I have seen the biggest, strongest guys in this league and they just never seem to get there. They are one step off of that big block because they just don't want to get there. They just want to catch the ball.

Does this move today show the commitment on the Steelers part of getting big play receiver?

I don't think that there is any doubt. It adds to that piece of the puzzle that we lost and it adds another dimension because he does have more speed.

Is he capable of adding trick plays to the offense?

I have to check out his arm first. Some guys can throw but you can't throw under pressure. You know (Antwaan Randle) El might have been more accurate then 10 of the starting quarterbacks in this league but with his (Holmes) return abilities he is obvious a reverse type of guy if you can't throw it. We have Hines who can throw okay anymore but he has been beat up too much. But Cedric is an old quarterback too.

Is Santonio Holmes more game ready right now than Antwaan Randle El was when he was drafted?

He is more ready right now to be more explosive as a receiver. El made great progress and was a unique player but Santonio is coming in at an experience level way ahead of where El came in at.

Does he still have room to grow?

Yes, I don't think that there is any doubt. He is still growing strong. He is not one of those guys that this is all you have. He still has room to grow.

RE: His blocking and offensive awareness?

He has shown the ability to know coverages, find holes in the zones, know when it is man-to-man and he is not shy. He's not shy at all or he wouldn't be a Steeler.