Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Take NT Dontari Poe

In his second mock draft of the 2012 NFL draft season, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has the Pittsburgh Steelers taking Memphis nose tackle Dontari Poe with the 24th overall pick in the first round. 

Despite a defense that ranked first in the NFL against the pass (171.9 yards/game) and eighth against the run (99.8/game), the Steelers have needs this April on that side of the ball. Finding a nose tackle to replace soon-to-be 35-year-old Casey Hampton might top the list. 

Kiper agrees:

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The Steelers are always going to find answers under the brilliant Dick LeBeau, but they have to get younger, particularly up front, and they know it. Poe is that rare zero-technique centerpiece to a 3-4 defense, the guy who simply eats up blockers and frees up the linebackers. If he develops, Poe can be the heir to Casey Hampton in the middle of that scheme, and these guys are just really tough to find. The value lines up as well.

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A dominant run-stuffer for most of his career, Hampton started showing signs of wearing down in 2011. Instead of letting the need at nose tackle grow, the Steelers would do well to address it with a top pick in April.

As Kiper says, finding a zero-technique is one of the more difficult positions to fill in a 3-4 defense. Poe fits the mold to a tee. 

At 6'5", Poe is a little bit on the tall-side for a traditional nose tackle. But with 350 pounds on that frame, Poe will certainly be a player that demands a double team in the interior of the offensive line.

National Football Post thinks Poe has a Haloti Ngata type build and skill set.

Here is NFP's brief scouting report on Poe:

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Has a rare physical skill set due to his combination of flexibility, power and get off burst. However, he's still learning the nuances of the position. If he's willing to put in the time, Poe can mature into one of the leagues better interior presences. Nevertheless, because he's raw his floor isn't overly high either.  

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Poe cracks Kipers' top-25 "Big Board" at No. 22.

Here's what Kiper said about Poe on the board:

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A massive defensive tackle, Poe is a rare player, a possible centerpiece at defensive tackle in a 3-4 alignment. He's a force against the run on early downs.

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Even if the Steelers get another one or two years out of Hampton at nose tackle, Poe would provide them a future at a top position. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau could also play Poe and Hampton together in certain big packages.

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