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Sporting News, The, Nov 29, 2004 by Gerry Dulac

In the Steelers' surprise party of a season, James Farrior has been Surprise 1B to Ben Roethlisberger's 1A. A solid but unremarkable player in his first seven years, Farrior has become Lawrence Taylor in Year 8.

Farrior's fantasy season reached a new level last Sunday when he scored his first NFL touchdown on a 14-yard interception return in the Steelers' 19-14 victory over the Bengals. It was another huge play in a huge season for Farrior, an inside linebacker. After 10 games, his magic number is three-he has three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, three sacks and three forced fumbles. This, from a player who had four interceptions and 5 1/2 sacks in his first seven seasons.

The Steelers' expanded use of the blitz has been a big reason for Farrior's increased impact. Coordinator Dick LeBeau has emphasized a "Blitzburgh" package similar to when he was the Steelers' coordinator in the mid-1990s.

LeBeau likes to bring pressure up the middle as well as from the outside, which has benefited Farrior. Farrior has great timing and anticipation, making him an effective blitzer, and he has been a more active part of the blitz packages as the season has progressed. Farrior also takes good angles to the ball and is adept at sifting through blockers, allowing him to get into position to make plays.

The AFC features several elite inside linebackers, including Ray Lewis (Ravens), Al Wilson (Broncos) and Zach Thomas (Dolphins), but none is playing better than the Steelers' Surprise 1B.

DRAFT DISH

By War Room scouts

Pittsburgh OT Rob Petitti is becoming a master at protection. Be sets quickly and is very difficult to beat because he uses his body well to engulf defenders or ride them out of the play. He needs to be more nasty, but Petitti should be drafted in the second round. * Skilled Southern Mississippi OLB Michael Boley is a third-round prospect who could sneak into the second round. Boley is a pass-rushing threat and a powerful tackler with great technique. At times, he struggles against top linemen; he tries to use his quickness to beat them and loses his pursuit angle. * Boston College TE Dave Kashetta's great athleticisim allows him to play bigger than he is (6-4, 251). Kashetta can be strong off the line and pounds defenders. Right now, he looks like a third- or fourth-round pick. * Oklahoma ILB Lance Mitchell shows no signs of the ACL injury that sidelined him for most of '03. Mitchell is an outstanding athlete who plays all over the field and is a punishing tackler. Expect to see him selected in Round 2.

Who's rising? Who's falling? Get the latest draft analysis and rankings by subscribing to Pro Football War Room at warroom.sportingnews.com.