Merling

But going into 2009, the Steelers definitely need to get younger on their defensive line, and Merling is a good fit for their three-man front and a guy who could spell and ultimately replace DEs Aaron Smith and/or Brett Keisel.

Backdraft: Joe Flacco among changing parts in '08 re-draft 2009

Pro analysis: Miami's off to a good start by reeling in Merling, expected to be a first-rounder in most quarters.

Day 1 picks: Analyzing the draft's top 63 players 2008

Steelers – DE Phillip Merling (Clemson): Given the way things worked out, it's hard to argue with anything the Steelers did in 2008, from letting all-pro G Alan Faneca go to failing to draft a replacement for him to drafting RB Rashard Mendenhall, who's full of potential but gave Pittsburgh very little production after an early season-ending shoulder injury.

Backdraft: Joe Flacco among changing parts in '08 re-draft 2009

But there are colts at defensive end in Kendall Langford and Phillip Merling.

Dolphins' skies are sunny just 1 year after '07 'embarrassment' 2009

Phillip Merling also returned an interception 29 yards for a score.

USATODAY.com 2008

Miami Dolphins — Considering they had the first overall pick, the Dolphins were expected to do well, but in getting Michigan OT Jake Long, Clemson DE Phillip Merling and Michigan QB Chad Henne, Miami picked up three players worthy of first-round consideration.

Instant analysis: NFL draft Day 1 2008

The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Merling was arrested May 27 in Weston.

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Laura Merling leads Alacatel-Lucent's API-related businesses, which acquired ProgrammableWeb this year in an effort to get closer to developers.

What's Fueling The API Gold Rush 2010

He should be effective as a DE in Miami's 3-4 look ... and if everything pans out just right (and his hernia surgery doesn't pose long-term problems), Merling could draw comparisons to Richard Seymour.

Day 1 picks: Analyzing the draft's top 63 players 2008

On the next two plays, Cassel was sacked by Phillip Merling and threw an interception to defensive end Randy Starks that set up the first touchdown drive.

USATODAY.com 2008