2010 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Select Maurkice Pouncey

With the 18^th selection, the Steelers selected Maurkice Pouncey, a center from the University of Florida.

The Steelers passed up an elite left tackle prospect Bryan Bulaga of Iowa and an elite defensive tackle prospect Dan Williams of Tennessee to take Pouncey, the top rated center in the draft.

Kyle Wilson, who was one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, was also on the board when the Steelers selected.

It is expected that Pouncey will step into the starting lineup from day one, likely at right guard.  This should provide an immediate boost to the run game as well as pass blocking.

Pittsburgh’s line was weak on the interior, with Justin Hartwig at center and Trai Essex starting much of the season at right guard along with rookie free agent Ramon Foster seeing significant playing time there as well.

At nearly 6-5 306 pounds, Pouncey is a big center who will be able to handle some of the larger defensive tackles in the league, particularly Haloti Ngata of the Baltimore Ravens.

The selection of Pouncey was the first time that the Steelers have taken an offensive lineman in the first round since they took guard Kendall Simmons with the 30^th selection of the 2002 NFL Draft.

Pouncey was not a bad selection. He will be an instant upgrade on the offensive line, which had previously been neglected for all too long. The 2009 Rimington Award winner for being the top center in the nation, Pouncey was also named First Team All-SEC and Second Team All-American.

Playing in the SEC, Pouncey is very experienced against some of the top competition in the country, starting 39 games. He is an effective run and pass blocker and has excellent intangibles, but will have to adjust to the professional game as often had to snap the ball in the shotgun formation.

To justify selecting a center at 18, the Steelers will have to hope that Pouncey establishes himself as one of the top centers in the league.

This is particularly important because the Steelers passed up on a potential franchise tackle in Bulaga and one of the top 3-4 defensive tackle prospects, Williams, who could been the future replacement for Casey Hampton.

Pittsburgh also passed on the opportunity to improve their defensive backfield with Wilson or Kareem Jackson of Alabama.

The Steelers next selection will come 18^th in the second, 52^nd overall.

Unless a player such as Roger Saffold falls into the second round, look for the Steelers to address the defense. There will be a number of cornerbacks available at this point. Another possibility could be if safety Nate Allen is available. The Steelers are also in the market for a future defensive tackle to develop behind Hampton and Chris Hoke as well as a future replacement for inside linebacker James Farrior.