The 'Burgh Report

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Steelers Post Draft Analysis

The Steelers got the biggest steal of the draft in David DeCastro. He's one of these guys who's a day one starter and will be a perennial Pro Bowler for the next decade. He's a definite blue chipper and will remind Steeler fans of Alan Faneca. Their 2nd round pick may prove to be a steal as well, depending of course on whether or not Mike Adams gets his head straight. Adams is a guy with top 20 talent whose poor character and work ethic caused him to drop into the Steelers lap at 56th. From what I'm getting, he sounds sincere about getting his life together and if so, the Steelers may have gotten two Pro Bowlers for their (once) porous line with back-to-back pics. Hopefully he can be groomed to play the blindside because I have my doubts about Gilbert, who I think is better served on the right. The Steelers finally seem to have gotten serious about protecting Ben. In the last 3 years they've taken four linemen with their first and second round picks. Pouncey, Gilbert, and now DeCastro and Adams could make up one of the best young lines in football.

Sean Spence in the 3rd round wasn't a pick I had seen coming, but it makes sense in retrospect. He's very athletic, plays with a high motor and possesses good game speed. He is supposed to have great instincts so my only concern becomes his lack of size. He isn't big enough to play the BUCK next to Timmons, so either he was simply a depth pick or Butler is planning on moving Timmons over from the MACK. Foote will still be the day one starter, but Spence has the potential to take that away once he learns the system.

4th round, the Steelers traded up for Alameda Ta'amu which was a fantastic move in the sense that the value and need matched up quite well. Most saw him as a 2nd to early 3rd round prospect, but he slipped to the 4th where the Steelers jumped up, having not expected him to still be available. He is massive, at 348 lbs. and should be able to learn behind Hampton for a year before becoming the long term starter. I was a huge fan of Josh Chapman but if Ta'amu plays to his potential, he could prove to be a gem this late with the capability of becoming a red chip player..

Chris Rainey, as has been pointed out by most of Steeler Nation at this point, is similar to Dexter McCluster, whom Todd Haley loved while in Kansas City. If he serves a similar role he'll be a useful receiving threat on 3rd down but his pass blocking will need to improve drastically. Look for him to relieve Antonio Brown of his return duties this season.

In the trade up for Ta'amu we forfeited our 6th round selection to the Redskins. That pick would have been 193rd overall. Two of my favorite prospects in this class were receivers Marvin McNutt out of Iowa and Tommy Streeter out of Miami. They were drafted 194th (Eagles) and 198th (Ravens), respectively. I suppose then that I'll always wonder whether we wouldn't have been able to land Ta'amu without the trade so we might have kept our 6th round pick and drafted one of them. Still, we got another receiver I like in the 7th, in Toney Clemons. He is a local product who went to Colorado but grew up in New Kensington and graduated from Valley High School. He has the size at 6'2" and speed (4.43 40) to be dangerous if he can develop. He went through 4 different coaches in college so hopefully with some stability, he can improve and become the 5th receiver on game day.

With their remaining three 7th round picks they got TE David Paulson out of Oregon, Texas A&M CB Terrence Frederick, and Kelvin Beachum, a guard from SMU. The Steelers had Paulson in for a visit, but given the fact that Heath Miller, David Johnson, Weslye Saunders (once his suspension is up) and the newly signed Leonard Pope are all currently ahead of him, he'd need one hell of a training camp to see much action on Sundays. Frederick will be fighting for the 5th corner spot at best, and even that might be hoping for too much. He'll be a body for camp but I doubt he's more than practice squad this year. Beachum played tackle in college but he's slightly undersized so expect him to transition inside. I liked this pick more than the other two. Beachum started every game for SMU the last 4 years and if he can bulk up and show that he can handle the physicality of the pro game, he might end up being a good value. Probably practice squad, but with all the injuries the Steelers seem to deal with every year on the offensive line, he might get some time at some point this season.

Ultimately this has the potential to be one of the best drafts in the Colbert era. If Adams pans out, and something tells me he will, the Steelers could get 2-3 Pro Bowl caliber players out of this class. For now I'll give it an A-.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Round 3 Mock Draft

64. Indianapolis Colts: Alameda Ta'amu (DT Washington)

65. St. Louis Rams: Josh Robinson (CB UCF)

66. Minnesota Vikings: Trumaine Johnson (CB Montana)

67. Denver Broncos: Jamel Fleming (CB Oklahoma)

68. Houston Texans: Mohamed Sanu (WR Rutgers)

69. Washington Redskins: Jayron Hosley (CB Virginia Tech)

70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Thompson (DT Clemson)

71. Buffalo Bills: Bobbie Massie (OT Mississippi)

72. Miami Dolphins: Tommy Streeter (WR Miami)

73. Miami Dolphins: Dwayne Allen (TE Clemson)

74. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyrone Crawford (DE Boise State)

75. Seattle Seahawks: Zebrie Sanders (OT FSU)

76. Houston Texans: Ben Jones (C Georgia)

77. New York Jets: Lamar Miller (RB Miami)

78. San Diego Chargers: Bernard Pierce (RB Temple)

79. Chicago Bears: Brandon Brooks (G Miami OH)

80. Arizona Cardinals: Ronnell Lewis (LB Oklahoma)

81. Dallas Cowboys: Mike Martin (DT Michigan)

82. Tennessee Titans: George Iloka (S Notre Dame)

83. Cincinnati Bengals: Chris Polk (RB Washington)

84. Atlanta Falcons: Cam Johnson (DE Virginia)

85. Detroit Lions: Brandon Boykin (CB Georgia)

86. Pittsburgh Steelers: Josh Chapman (NT Alabama)

87. Cleveland Browns: Marvin McNutt (WR Iowa)

88. Philadelphia Eagles: Kirk Cousins (QB Michigan State)

89. New Orleans Saints: Audie Cole (LB NC State)

90. New England Patriots: Donald Stephenson (OT Oklahoma)

91. Baltimore Ravens: Marvin Jones (WR Cal)

92. San Francisco 49ers: Juron Criner (CB Arizona)

93. New England Patriots: Terrell Manning (LB NC State)

94. New York Giants: Jonathan Massoqoui (LB Troy)

95. Oakland Raiders: Damario Davis (OLB Arkansas State)

Round 2 Mock Draft

Here are my picks for the 2nd round. I didn't include any trade projections because at this point you have to be really familiar with a team to know where they might realistically trade to. I'm that familiar with the Steelers but to make up trades for other teams would be almost insulting. I will say that I've heard teams may try to trade up for CB Janoris Jenkins, TE Coby Fleener and look out for a move up for OLB Lavonte David. I'll post my 3rd round projections probably some time during the 2nd half of the 2nd round. Anyway here you go, and as always, I'd love to here any of your thoughts.

33. St. Louis Rams: Reuben Randle (WR LSU)

34. Indianapolis Colts: Coby Fleener (TE Stanford)

35. Baltimore Ravens: Courtney Upshaw (OLB Alabama) (Trade with Vikings)

36. Denver Broncos: Kendall Reyes (DT Connecticut) (Trade with Buccaneers)

37. Cleveland Browns: Stephen Hill (WR Georgia Tech)

38. Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Branch (DE Clemson)

39. St. Louis Rams: Lavonte David (OLB Nebraska) (Trade with Redskins)

40. Carolina Panthers: Brandon Thompson (DT Clemson)

41. Buffalo Bills: Bobbie Massie (OT Mississippi)

42. Miami Dolphins: Mohamed Sanu (WR Rutgers)

43. Seattle Seahawks: Peter Konz (C Wisconsin)

44. Kansas City Chiefs: Amini Silatolu (G Midwestern State)

45. St. Louis Rams: Trumaine Johnson (CB Montana) (Trade with Cowboys)

46. Philadelphia Eagles: Janoris Jenkins (CB North Alabama)

47. New York Jets: Lamar Miller (RB Miami)

48. New England Patriots: Devon Still (DT Penn State) (Trade with Raiders)

49. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn (G Georgia)

50. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Martin (OT Stanford)

51. Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Adams (OT Ohio State) (Trade with Cardinals)

52. Tennessee Titans: Vinny Curry (DE Marshall)

53. Cincinnati Bengals: Zach Brown (OLB UNC)

54. Detroit Lions: Casey Hayward (CB Vanderbilt)

55. Atlanta Falcons: Kelechi Osemele (OT Iowa State)

56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mychal Kendricks (ILB California)

57. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy (DT Michigan State)

58. Houston Texans: Brian Quick (WR Appalachian State)

59. Green Bay Packers: Derek Wolfe (DE Cincinnati)

60. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Brooks (G Miami OH)

61. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Robinson (CB UCF)

62. New England Patriots: George Iloka (S Boise State)

63. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen (TE Clemson)

Thoughts On Tonight's Picks

After getting what was probably the steal of the draft in David DeCastro, the question now becomes: What the hell are the Steelers going to do tonight?

I'm not sure, but I look forward to it.

You see, I, along with many other crazies out there in Steeler Nation who follow the draft intently, had the Steelers taking a guard 2nd round in Brandon Brooks. However, with the DeCastro pick, I'm not so sure. If you had asked me prior to the 1st round who I would have wanted above all others, I'd have said DeCastro. I never thought that would have been a possibility. Which is why I had the Steelers pegged to take Brooks tonight, something I still wouldn't mind.

In recent years I'd have said it was possible the Steelers would go with back to back players of the same position, but this year we have more needs. Which is why, though I still have to consider Brooks the favorite, here are some guys who are also options.

The first guy I'll list is the equivalent of what DeCastro was to me yesterday before the draft. The guy I want most, who I don't expect to slide but there is a sliver of hope. That guy is Lavonte David, who could be molded to play inside next to Timmons. He is my favorite option, but remains someone I doubt lasts.

Last night we saw guard Cordy Glenn slip out of the first round but he'll be gone in the first 10 picks of the 2nd. He will not fall. Otherwise I'd love to get him, but it won't happen. Courtney Upshaw, Coby Fleener and Stephen Hill are in the same boat. The Rams have been on the clock since last night, and my guess is they take Hill with the first of their three 2nd rounders. Fleener won't make it past the Colts at 34, while one of the following, Upshaw, Glenn or Peter Konz, will likely go to the Ravens at 35.

So what we're left with is a handful of guys who could be available when the Steelers go on the clock with the 56th pick of the draft.

Obviously we've got Brandon Brooks as an option, and despite taking a guard first round, it would not shock me if the Steelers went there again having shown quite a bit of interest in Brooks since his pro day. It depends just how closely the Steelers follow their board. You could certainly make the argument that we need another guard to start opposite DeCastro anyway, though I think Ramon Foster has shown tremendous improvement.

There are a slew of possibilities on the offensive line, but just like with Brooks, the same question arises over whether the Steelers would go there with back-to-back picks. In addition to Brooks, Amini Silatolu, Bobbie Massie, Jonathan Martin, Mike Adams, Kelechi Osemele, Mitchell Schwartz, Jeff Allen and Peter Konz could all still be available at 56.

If not another lineman, my next option would be Mychal Kendricks, an ILB out of California. He has blazing speed (4.47 40) and good upper body strength to go with it (24 reps on the bench). He is a smaller, faster version of Timmons, who together could make for the most athletic tandems of inside linebackers in the game. Kendricks can hit, and with proper coaching will make for one hell of a backer in a 3-4 defense. He has all the intangibles to become an excellent cover man and pass rusher which is the mark of true three down linebacker. If this is the pick, I'll be very happy.

Let me say this, I doubt the Steelers will take a RB this round. If Doug Martin or David Wilson had slipped down to 56 I might have considered it, but they were taken with the last two picks of the 1st. Neither Lamar Miller nor LaMichael James would be worth it, so RB probably wouldn't be considered until the 3rd round.

CB will merit some consideration but it's unlikely. I'm not loving any of the guys who'll be available. Not to mention I've seen no evidence to show that the Steelers are interested in any of the guys who'll probably go 2nd round.

I can't see the Steelers going TE unless Coby Fleener falls, which he won't. Had Harrison Smith been available I'd have considered safety as a possibility but with that no longer the case, they won't be drafting one tonight. Won't be a RB or WR until the 3rd round at the earliest. And obviously no QB.

We still need a NT somewhere in this class but I'd rather go there in the 3rd round than the 2nd. Mike Martin and Josh Chapman, as I've stated before, are the most likely options when the Steelers pick 86th. However one guy on the defensive line I could see as a possibility is Derek Wolfe, the DE out of Cincinnati who has absolutely flown up draft boards the last few months. He would play as a 5 technique, and reminds me of Aaron Smith.

As usual I doubt the Steelers would trade up. Especially not this round because I'm just not sure who they would be high enough on to want to jump up. There are plenty of options so they'll find a good value at 56. Unless someone they love is within maybe 5 picks and they're worried about missing out on him, I'd be dumbfounded to see them move up. Moving down is unlikely, but more of a possibility as some consider Brooks and Kendricks to be late 2nd, early 3rd round prospects. If we turned our 2nd rounder into a 3rd and 5th, it wouldn't shock me. We've traded out of the 2nd before under Colbert so I won't call this scenario impossible.

In summation, Lavonte David is the guy I hope to get but don't expect to, so consider Brooks the favorite. I would be perfectly happy if we took Kendricks, Silatolu or Wolfe as well.

3rd round, I still think it comes down to Mike Martin and Josh Chapman, but should they both be gone I'll be hopng for Robert Turbin who is an absolute freak at RB.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Steelers 7 Round Mock

I almost forgot to do my final Steelers 7 Round Mock...That's embarrassing

Anyway,

24th- Whitney Mercilus (OLB Illinois): He'll probably be gone but he's the one I want and the one I think the Steelers want. Depending on who falls this pick may also be traded back so we could get a guy like G Kevin Zeitler.

56th- Brandon Brooks (G Miami OH): Could be a steal and the Steelers love him. If Silatolu is available this could go either way but I do think it will be a guard.

86th- Mike Martin (DT Michigan): I hope they go with the other 3rd round DT in Josh Chapman but if I get past emotion, I realize the pick is probably Martin who is extremely athletic and the Steelers have shown a ton of interest in.

119th- Robert Turbin (RB Utah State): One of my favorite players in the draft and he serves a need. IT may be wishful thinking to say he falls this far. James-Michael Johnson is proabably more likely.

159th- Keith Tandy (CB West Virginia): Good late round value who is a physical corner that will make the roster in camp. Steelers had him in for visit and seemed to like him.

193rd- Derek Carrier (TE Beloit): Blew people away at the Wisconsin pro day which the Steelers attended. Great late round value.

231st- Ryan Van Bergen (DE Michigan): Steelers were very interested in him at Michigan pro day and reminds me of Brett Keisel.

240th- Jerell Harris (OLB Alabama): If the Steelers take an Alabama LB I think it will be Harris before it's Upshaw or Hightower. Steelers had him in for a visit.

246th- Randy Bullock (K Texas A&M): Need some competition for Shaun Suisham in camp.

248th- Toney Clemons (WR Colorado): Another guy who came in for a visit, which is really the only way to predict these later guys. Big receiver with a 4.43 40. Probably a practice squad type player.

First Round Mock Draft #2

Happy Drafting Everyone,

Here is my final 1st round mock prior to the draft. If I change the pick, I'll explain why, otherwise I'm running out of time to write, so please revert to my previous mock for pick analysis. I've included trades in this one to make it more fun.

Here we go,

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck (QB Stanford)

Obviously no change here.

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III (QB Baylor)

The Redskins actually made this official earlier today, so the Vikings are unofficially on the clock.

3. New York Jets: Trent Richardson (RB Alabama) (Projected trade with Vikings)

This is where it gets fun ladies and gentlemen. I doubt this is actually how this pick goes down, but I couldn't resist. If the Vikings stay where they are, I'm switching my pick to Morris Claiborne over Matt Kalil. But Minnesota is reportedly looking for trades and will field offers once they're on the clock. I think the only teams looking to move up would be the Dolphins for Tannehill (though I really doubt it), or any team high enough on Richardson who wants to jump in front the Browns at 4. The Jets make sense to me, given the fact that they've traded up before in the Rex Ryan era (see Mark Sanchez). The cost though could be reminiscent of the Falcons trade for Julio Jones... meaning it would cost them a lot.

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon (WR Oklahoma State)

With Richardson gone, I could see them trading back if they don't like Blackmon. But I think they realize they need a playmaker on offense, as trading out of the top 10 each year will never improve a bad team.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne (CB LSU)

They'll consider Kalil but their need at CB is far more critical than the offensive line.

6. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil (OT USC)
s the better player. They'd still be very happy to bring in a guy to take over the blind side that can keep Sam Bradford off his ass.

7. Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox (DT Mississippi St.) (Projected trade with Jaguars)

He's the best DT in this class and the Eagles certainly have the fire power to move up. They've shown interest and I think the two guys they want most are he and Luke Kuechly. From the Jaguars point of view, I could see them staying where they are taking Stephon Gilmore. What makes the move great for both sides is that they can probably still get Gilmore at 15 while stockpiling picks.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd (WR Notre Dame) (Projected trade with Dolphins)

If the Browns pass on Tannehill, I don't see anyone else picking him in the top half of the draft. So if your the Dolphins, why not drop a couple spots for an extra pick and still get your man. From the Cardinals perspective, they get the guy who would make a huge difference for them, but it would cost them a 3rd rounder at least and Arizona already traded their 2nd rounder to the Eagles in that Kolb trade.

9. Carolina Panthers: Luke Kuechly (ILB Boston College)

With Floyd gone, the Panthers take one of the most productive players in college football history. He'll start from day one and anchor their 4-3 defense the way Urlacher does in Chicago.

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff (OT Iowa)

They're a candidate who might trade up for Floyd as well but they still get a good pick in Reiff.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro (G Stanford)

I've seen Mark Barron's name here recently but I doubt he's their man.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Melvin Ingram (OLB/DE South Carolina)

I acknowledge Chandler Jones is an option as well but Ingram is the better player in my opinion. He'll play as a DE in their 4-3 defense opposite Clemons to help improve the pass rush.

13. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill (QB Texas A&M) (Projected trade with Cardinals)

Same thing as Buffalo, if they want to jump up a few picks for Floyd or Reiff I could see that. Ingram would be a great pick too. Add Chandler Jones to the list of options as a pass rusher.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron (S Alabama)

I'm switching this pick to Mark Barron. I just can't imagine a team picking a guy with Poe's level of bust potential, this high.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars: Stephon Gilmore (CB South Carolina) (Projected trade with Eagles)

The Jaguars still get a guy they might have taken at 7 anyway.

16. Minnesota Vikings: Quinton Coples (DE UNC) (Projected trade with Jets)

I think they'd be hoping to get Gilmore here but the Jaguars snatch him up a pick before. The Vikings would get a lot for the 3rd pick but it wont help them much this season. All the best prospects are going to be off the board. When Coples is trying, he might be the best defensive linemen in this class. But that's the question isn't it? If they believe in his work ethic than this would be a great value pick. Putting him opposite Jared Allen would terrify the opposition.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn (G Georgia)

With Gilmore gone, the next CB to take would be Kirkpatrick but that would be a reach. Glenn would replace Bobbie Williams on that line and should be a relatively safe pick here.

18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus (OLB/DE Illinois)

Might be the best pure rusher in this class. If he had more than just one year of playing time, teams would be higher on him.

19. Chicago Bears: Dont'a Hightower (ILB Alabama)

I had them taking Michael Brockers but that was with Hightower off the board who the Bears are supposed be absolutely smitten with. He can play next to Urlacher and Briggs for a few years while he learns the system.

20. Tennessee Titans: Chandler Jones (DE Syracuse)

With Mercilus off the board they'll take the next best pass rusher in Jones who has flown up boards in the last month or so. Dontari Poe could be an option but Jones is safer.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kendall Wright (WR Baylor)

Unchanged.

22. Cleveland Browns: Stephen Hill (WR Georgia Tech)

Unchanged.

23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick (CB Alabama)

Unchanged.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Brockers (DT LSU)

I think if Mercilus is here, he's the pick. But if not then the Steelers may be picking Nick Perry, or the best player available. In my opinion that's Brockers. Given that he only played one year could be a concern for the Steelers but he has tremendous upside, a solid work ethic and could still play NT if needed. I realize Poe is available but he's too much of a risk for the Steelers.

25. New England Patriots: Dontari Poe (DT Memphis) (Projected trade with Broncos)

This seems like a Belichick trade to me. If Poe does fall this far, I think with New England's coaching staff Poe could be molded into a special player. With him and Wilfork up front, that could really help improve their run defense. Besides, if any team can afford a bust, it's the Patriots.

26. Houston Texans: Coby Fleener (TE Stanford)

I changed my mind. I don't like Martin and neither should Houston. I've had a 2nd round grade on Martin so it wouldn't be right to peg him as the 26th pick based on need. They'll take a guy who can help an already excellent offense.

27. Denver Broncos: Kendall Reyes (DT Connecticut) (Projected trade with Patriots)

Same pick from last mock but two spots further back.

28. Green Bay Packers: Shea McClelin (OLB Boise State)

Unchanged. I think they take McClelin over Upshaw as I prefer the former of the two.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Courtney Upshaw (OLB Alabama)

With no Hightower within trading distance, they take his teammate who can play opposite Suggs and take over after the departure of Jarret Johnson. Lavonte David and McClelin may merit consideration if available.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin Zeitler (G Wisconsin)

Unchanged.

31. New England Patriots: Casey Hayward (DB Vanderbilt)

Unchanged.

32. New York Giants: Lavonte David (OLB Nebraska)

Some think David is the best 4-3 OLB in this draft. They could use help behind their incredible front line and David is an underrated prospect.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

1st Round Possibilities

The only people out there who are confident in who they have going to the Steelers in a mock, are probably those who have no idea what they're talking about. I'm referring to the geniuses at ESPN who have had Dont'a Hightower pegged as a lock to go at 24 for the last month or so. I'm willing to bet my house that the Steelers don't take him. You can hold me to that. Those of us who have actually spent considerable time on the matter, realize this pick is a total mystery. Sure we have hunches, and there are guys we might like more than others as possibilities, but in reality, not even those have done their homework would be confident if they had to take a test on who the Steelers will take. That is why I'm here to consider all the reasonable possibilities of players the Steelers might take 1st round, if they had their say and the player were available. Then, I'm going to list who I would want to see them take in the 2nd and 3rd rounds based on the 1st rounder. With me? Doesn't matter, you'll get the idea.

Now I've split this list of 14 possible players into 3 groups. Those who will probably already be taken, those who I hope we don't take and those who I think are actually fairly reasonable options.

I'll then add a player from a position which makes sense for the next 2 rounds.

The 2nd round options include:

Brandon Brooks (G Miami OH)/Amini Silatolu (G Midwestern State)

Kelechi Osemele (T Iowa State)/Bobbie Massie (T Mississippi)/Mitchell Schwartz (T California)

Mychal Kendricks (ILB California)

Derek Wolfe (DL Cincinnati)

Lavonte David (OLB Nebraska) Though he probably won't fall this far.

The 3rd round options include:

Josh Chapman (NT Alabama)/Mike Martin (DT Michigan)

Robert Turbin (RB Utah State)/Isaiah Pead (RB Cincinnati)

Marvin McNutt (WR Iowa)/T.Y. Hilton (WR Florida International)

Zebrie Sanders (T FSU)/Brandon Washington (G/T Miami)

Bobby Wagner (ILB Utah State)/James-Michael Johnson (ILB Nevada)

Keep in mind, when I put a guy down for the 2nd or 3rd, I'm implying I think it will be him, or another player from that position. So if I put Josh Chapman down as a 3rd round option for someone, I mean that I think the Steelers will target NT with that pick. Implying that it could be Chapman or Mike Martin, who he is listed with.

You'll notice that I think the Steelers will be taking a NT and an OL somewhere in two of our top three picks. My favorites are Brooks and Chapman (which you'll notice below) but I could see other guys at their position being taken instead, depending on the Steelers draft board. The third player in the top 3 will be a the wild card, depending on what player is taken in the 1st.

So let's start with the ones I'm hoping fall:

Dontari Poe (DT Memphis)

2nd) Brandon Brooks (G Miami OH)

3rd) Robert Turbin (RB Utah State)

Michael Brockers (DT LSU)

2nd) Brandon Brooks (G Miami OH)

3rd) Robert Turbin (RB Utah State)

Mark Barron

2nd) Brandon Brooks (G Miami OH)