2012 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers' 7-Round Mock Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a disappointing end to a promising season.  After losing in last season's Super Bowl, the Steelers had high aspirations for the 2011 season.  Even with ending the season at 12-4, the Steelers could not win the division this year and were ousted in the opening round of the playoffs.

Throughout the season, injuries and age began to creep up on the once-mighty Steelers.  Many key players missed time this season due to injuries, which included Ben Roethlisberger.  Age is a key factor on defense as a big part of the starters are nearing the end of stellar careers. 

The Steelers are one of the best at drafting players to groom throughout the draft.  Very rarely do the Steelers need rookies to step in right away but with this coming draft, the Steelers will be looking for players that might be able to do just that. 

Having a late pick in each of the seven rounds, the Steelers will continue to build a championship-caliber team through the draft.  The Steelers have plenty of needs this offseason that they will need to address. The offensive line, nose tackle and overall depth will need to be addressed throughout the draft.  

I will give three players per pick: my pick, sleeper pick and the team's pick.

First Round, My Pick: Cordy Glenn OG Georgia

The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of positions they need to fix early this year in the draft: depth and quality along the offensive line, and nose tackle.  The position the Steelers need to upgrade desperately is offensive guard.  Currently there are only three guards on the roster and none are very efficient at the position.

One of the top offensive guard prospects in this year's draft is Cordy Glenn from Georgia.  He was one of the best run-blockers in college this season and is an excellent pass-blocker as well.  He's a physical blocker and shows the instincts to help in late blitz protections. 

Glenn is graded out as a late first- to early second-rounder and would be an excellent selection for the Steelers. 

First Round, Sleeper Pick: Jerel Worthy DT Michigan State

With the retirement of Chris Hoke and Casey Hampton's career soon to be over as well, the Steelers need to begin to look at life after Hampton. 

Jerel Worthy from Michigan State would be a good step to life after Hampton.  He is good versus the run and is the exactly the type of player necessary for the 3-4 system.  Not necessarily the best pass-rusher, but has the ability to hold blocks and take on multiple blockers to free up the stellar pass-rushers on the outside.

Worthy has a mixed bag with his intangibles and production.  Worthy is one of the best-producing defensive tackles in college football over his career in East Lansing.  He has had injuries throughout his career and some on-the-field issues with keeping his cool. 

If drafted by the Steelers, Worthy won't need to step in right away and can learn a lot from the veterans on the defensive line in Pittsburgh. 

First Round, Team Pick: Zebrie Sanders OT Florida State

The Steelers are in need of all offensive line positions except at center.  With their drafting slot, it's more likely an offensive tackle will be easier to procure. 

Zebrie Sanders from Florida State would be a good addition to the Steelers offensive line.  He's a strong lineman but does rely heavily on that strength.  Has some inconsistencies during his time with the Seminoles but is one of the better tackle prospects. 

He will need to add weight and is better suited for left tackle in the NFL.  He had a good year once he switched from right tackle to left after the season-ending injury to Andrew Datko this season.  He would be a good addition in Pittsburgh.

Second Round, My Pick: Alameda Ta'Amu DT Washington

The one place that needs addressing on the defense is at nose tackle.  With the retirement of Chris Hoke, depth at the position is lacking.  With Casey Hampton's career coming to a close soon only Steve McClendon has major game experience.  McClendon had a good year backing up Hampton but the Steelers should look for a defensive tackle in the late second round.

With the size and agility to be a good fit in a 3-4 scheme, Alameda Ta'Amu out of Washington would be a good fit in Pittsburgh.  Ta'Amu is quick off the ball and is very disruptive along the interior because of his high motor. 

However, Ta'Amu lacks the ability take on blocks for long and will give up his position if he does not get a good bull rush off the line.  Ta'Amu is not having a good week at Senior Bowl practice, but with good showing in-game and at the combine will impress scouts.

With good coaching, he will be a good fit in Pittsburgh.

Second Round, Sleeper Pick: Chris Polk RB Washington

With the late-season injury to Rashard Mendenhall and injuries to other running backs on the depth chart, the Steelers could look at a running back for depth in the second round.  Isaac Redman is the best backup on the roster but for a team going back to a more power-run/blue-collar offense, depth at the running back position will be key.

Chris Polk from Washington could fit what the Steelers are working towards.  The first-team All-Pac-12 performer had an outstanding season in 2011.  He proved not just to be a good runner but a threat out of the backfield in the passing game as well.  

Polk is considered a classic north/south runner and has the speed and burst to get to the second level quickly.  Polk is much better as an interior runner but can get outside if necessary.  He is one of the best at breaking tackles and will run through arm tackles.  Polk will get the extra yards and secures the ball effectively. 

Second Round, Team Pick: Marcus Forston DT Miami

If the Steelers select an offensive lineman in the first round they will more than likely go with a defensive tackle/nose tackle in the second round.  While I believe it could be Alameda Ta'amu, Marcus Forston from Miami would also be a good fit as well. 

In a previous article, I had him in the early third round as a sleeper pick to Washington.  I do believe Forston could be a good selection here in the late second as well by Pittsburgh. 

He has not been quite as productive at Miami as one would hope, but is very athletic for his size.  A better run defender would make Fortson a better fit in a 3-4, where controlling the line of scrimmage is the biggest concern for the defensive line.

Third Round, My Pick: Antonio Allen S South Carolina

The Steelers defense finished this season as one of the best against the pass.  However, it was the passing game of Denver that knocked them out of the playoffs.  Without Ryan Clark in that game and with three of the top safeties on the team over 30 going into next season, the Steelers could look at life after Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. 

Antonio Allen from South Carolina could become a great player in the NFL with the Steelers.  He played a lot like Polamalu at South Carolina but does not quite have the same range.  Allen reads play-action well and will be in position against receivers.

Allen plays well in run support and has the ability to be a good blitzer from the safety position.  He will not be a big-play safety as he has low interception numbers and is better suited to zone coverage.  With his skills, Allen would fit well in the 3-4 scheme in Pittsburgh.

Third Round, Sleeper Pick: Leonard Johnson CB Iowa State

While the Steelers had the best pass defense this season and the potential that William Gay will likely leave for free agency, the Steelers could add another young cornerback to the fold.  Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown had good years and look to be top additions to the Steelers defensive backfield.

Leonard Johnson from Iowa State would be an intriguing addition to the Steelers.  Plays a very physical corner and is better as a ball defender and not as a ball hawk.  Johnson plays zone coverage well and covers the entire field.

Because of his physical style of play he draws penalties in coverage, and his size is small for a prototypical NFL cornerback. 

Johnson's other benefit is he has no character issues and is a leader on the field.

Third Round, Team Pick: Brandon Brooks OG Miami (OH)

Despite the need at offensive guard early, I think the Steelers wait till the mid-rounds to actually draft a guard.  With needs on both lines this draft, the Steelers will eventually address the offensive guard with the addition of Brandon Brooks from Miami OH. 

Brooks hold his weight well at about 350 lbs and is the prototypical height as well.  He has the strength and power to be a mauler inside on the offensive line.  He generally keeps his pads low and has the drive to hold blocks.  He also will add versatility to the Steelers, as Brooks has played at tackle as well with Miami OH.

With his large weight he does not always have the stamina and can look sluggish at times.  Brooks also does not stay aware of his surroundings and will miss on extra blocking assignments and late blitzers.

Fourth Round, My Pick: Keenan Robinson ILB Texas

With James Farrior starting to show his age and the fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers usually draft a linebacker somewhere in the draft, this fourth-round pick would be a good time to do so. 

Keenan Robinson would be a good addition in the fourth round.  Robinson is a good linebacker in coverage and shows good speed and agility to cover sideline to sideline.  He has great closing speed and pursues ball-carriers to the end. 

He gives a lot of effort between the tackles on run support and is great against runs stretched to the outside. 

Robinson goes for the big hit too often and will try to arm tackle as well.  He was not asked to rush the passer much at Texas and would need a lot of work in that area.

Robinson would fit better as a 4-3 outside linebacker but I believe he could be a good fit as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme as well. 

Fourth Round, Sleeper Pick: Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma State

The Steelers are in need of a backup quarterback somewhere in the draft.  With Byron Leftwich missing two seasons with injuries and Dennis Dickson looking for greener pastures, that leaves the Steelers with only Charlie Batch to back up Ben Roethlisberger. 

While more than likely the Steelers will not use a mid-round pick on a quarterback, it still could be a possibility.

Brandon Weeden from Oklahoma State has been impressive in his time with the Cowboys and has shown he can work from under center at the Senior Bowl.  Weeden has the arm strength, being a former baseball pitcher, and has accuracy over the middle of the field.

Weeden will force the ball and more than likely was bailed out at Oklahoma State by the talent in their wide receiver corps.  The biggest down on Weeden is the ability to read defenses as he drops from under center.  Also, age is a concern as he is already 28 years old because he pursued a baseball career first.

Fourth Round, Team Pick: Eddie Whitley FS Virginia Tech

With age starting to become a potential downfall of the safeties, the Steelers need to start looking at the future at either the free safety or strong safety positions. 

Eddie Whitley from Virginia Tech would make an excellent selection for the Steelers.  Whitley has been a leader on the Hokies defense and showed good coverage skills for a safety.  Whitley has the work ethic and drive to continue to learn the position from either Troy Polamalu or Ryan Clark.

Whitley will play all over the field and helps near the line of scrimmage in run support.  He lacks some discipline in coverage and will go for the big play. 

Fifth Round, My Pick: George Bryan TE North Carolina State

Behind Heath Miller there is no depth at the tight end position.  With the imminent change to a more running-style offense, the Steelers need more than one quality player at the position. 

With the ability to be a classic NFL tight end, George Bryan could fit well in Pittsburgh.  Bryan has good technique as a blocker and has great hands that allow him to catch balls underneath in zone coverages.  He was very productive, durable and is a leader on the field.

With all the strengths Bryan brings to the table, his size and speed are issues.  Bryan's body frame is not good for much improvement in his blocking technique.  He also lacks any type speed and is not a downfield threat from the position. 

Fifth Round, Sleeper Pick: Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma

While the Steelers do not need wide receiver depth and with the development of both Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown, this is not a likely time for Pittsburgh to draft one here. But while both Sanders and Brown have developed well in Pittsburgh, they really are both considered speed receivers.

Ryan Broyles has been one of the best receivers in Oklahoma Sooner history.  He has the speed and acceleration to run past corners.  He is the prototypical slot receiver in the NFL.

He's a good route-runner and does not fear going over the middle, as he will hold onto the ball if he receives the big hit.  He tracks the ball well whether it is thrown high or low. 

The biggest concern might be his lack of leadership and character issues.  He is not a vocal leader but will display some leadership on the field and step up in situations.  He was arrested during his freshman year at Oklahoma but has not been in trouble since. 

Not much of a blocker but with the tutelage of the other wide receivers on the roster, Broyles could be solid player for years to come. 

Fifth Round, Team Pick: Jerry Franklin ILB Arkansas

The fifth round has been very successful for the Pittsburgh Steelers in drafting linebackers.  The Steelers will usually draft a linebacker at some point and this is the most logical spot for them to do it.

Arkansas Razorback Jerry Franklin has the skills to be a good inside linebacker in a 3-4 system.  In his four years in Fayetteville, Franklin had good production and was very durable as well. 

He has the ability to take on blocks and sheds blocks to pursue the play.  He plays with discipline and covers his gaps and normally will not be out of position but will over-pursue and lacks quickness to change directions.

Franklin is shorter than the prototypical inside linebacker but has good speed and arm length to be a good 3-4 linebacker.  Franklin is slow to diagnose plays, especially play-action, but with his speed he can pursue the play.

Sixth Round, My Pick: Adonis Thomas RB Toledo

With the Steelers going to a more run-first mentality on offense next season, running back depth and change-of-pace backs will be key for the Steelers.  With the injuries to Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore, the Steelers will need to add depth to the running back corps. 

Isaac Redman showed the ability to be a primary back with the injury to Mendenhall but is not an every-down back. 

Adonis Thomas could fit the position of a small running back that the Steelers could use.  With Moore possibly being a cap casualty and Redman and Mendenhall left as the only true threats from the backfield, the elusiveness and athleticism Thomas brings to the field will turn heads in the NFL.

Thomas is a balanced runner and shows good first burst at the line.  Because of his build he is very hard to bring down with his quickness.  He will be a good receiver out of the backfield and has the determination to finish off runs.

Thomas' downfall is his frame as he lacks the power and muscle to be a prototypical running back in the NFL.  He had some injury issues at Toledo and was not very active as a pass-protector. 

Sixth Round, Sleeper Pick: Rishaw Johnson OG California (PA)

Considering the lack of depth along the offensive line, the Steelers could potentially draft any offensive lineman at any pick in the draft.  The offensive guard position is the weakest spot along the line and could use more depth.

This is a homer pick for me.  Rishaw Johnson out of California (PA) would be a great pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Johnson has the build to be a good interior lineman and has agility for a someone his size.  He stays balanced off the snap and looks to finish blocks throughout the play. 

There are some concerns with Johnson as he has some off-field issues and looks to be still learning the position.  At worst, Johnson grades as a decent backup in the NFL, but has the potential to be a steal late in the draft. 

Sixth Round, Team Pick: Chandler Harnish QB Northern Illinois

The Pittsburgh Steelers will need quarterback depth going into next season.  They are not looking for someone to replace Ben Roethlisberger but more or less replace Charlie Batch as the primary backup. Dennis Dixon does not have much of a future in Pittsburgh and Byron Leftwich has missed most of the past two seasons with injuries.

Chandler Harnish from Northern Illinois would make an excellent project for the Steelers.  Harnish has the intangibles to be great in a rhythm passing game but also has the athleticism to be a running threat from the backfield. 

Harnish throws a great ball under 15 yards but has issues with anything past.  A classic field general, Harnish has the ability to lead his team when the going gets tough. 

Some of the concerns with Harnish are his lack of arm strength and throwing ability deep.  He has the ability to zip the ball short but needs talented receivers that can adjust to his throws.  The biggest asset for Harnish is throughout his career, he has improved his mechanics and will probably continue to adjust in the NFL as well. 

Seventh Round, My Pick: Ryan Miller OG Colorado

In the seventh round, most teams are looking for the true diamond in the rough.  With needs on offensive line, the Steelers will look for an offensive lineman late in the draft.  The interior guards are the biggest sore spot for the Steelers and they will look to add depth at the position.

Ryan Miller out of Colorado is an intriguing prospect.  He has the prototypical lineman size and has the agility to be a higher pick.  The issue for Miller is where does his size fit in the NFL?

Playing guard most of his career, he has the agility and size to play outside at tackle but may be unable to handle speed off the edge.  With his size, Miller does not fit as an offensive guard in the NFL so he is somewhat of a tweener.

He is a good blocker but can let defenders get past if they are extremely quick off the ball.  Even so, he has the size to keep opponents in front.

With that said, for a player projected as a sixth- to seventh-rounder, he could be a quality pick if the Steelers have a chance to grab him. 

Seventh Round, Sleeper Pick: LaVon Brazill WR Ohio

As of late, the Pittsburgh Steelers have done a great job of drafting wide receivers from smaller schools late in the draft.  Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown are proof of that.  Even though they are going away from a pure passing game, getting a quality receiver in the late rounds is always a plus.

LaVon Brazill from Ohio is an interesting case for the Steelers.  He played in a more run-friendly offense at Ohio but has the ability to play either the outside or slot receiver positions. 

Brazill has previous injury concerns in college, missing all but three games in 2010.  He also played this season on a torn meniscus.

Even with the concern, Brazill was the best receiving threat for the Bobcats, as he has the speed to go deep and make the big play. 

Seventh Roun, Team Pick: Edwin Baker RB Michigan State

Edwin Baker from Michigan State surprised many with making the jump to the NFL.  He made an impact early with the Spartans by becoming the starting running back as a true freshman.  A very undersized running back Baker slipped under the radar and will probably fall in the draft as well.

Baker does not have the prototypical size for a NFL running back, but runs with power and has speed to be an elusive back.  He has great ball-carrier vision and works well in small spaces, making cuts or following blockers. 

Will need work as a blocker in the NFL and also has concerns with ball control as well.  His lack of production in sharing the starting running back role this season could be a red flag, as his size and frame probably are maxed out.

Baker makes an intriguing pick, as he can make a good change-of-pace back in the right system.  He also has a quick burst and can be a game-changer out of the backfield.