Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft: Steelers Could Look at OSU Stars in NFL Draft

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert were both in attendance when the Ohio State University conducted its pro day Monday in Columbus, Ohio. There were a couple of players working out who might be able fill needs for the team.

Offensive lineman Mike Adams was widely viewed as a potential first-round selection in April's NFL draft after a strong senior season and solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

However, after a disappointing workout at the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6'7", 323-pound tackle badly needed a good outing at the pro day, which Adams got.

According to Sporting News' Russ Lande: "He displayed quick feet, agility and athleticism that are uncommon in 6-7 linemen. Combined with his long arms and strength, Adams is a lock to go by the end of Round 1."

The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line was mediocre at best last year, allowing 42 sacks. That placed them in the bottom 10 in the National Football League in that category. Guard play was a particularly sore spot, with Chris Kemoeatu suffering through a miserable 2011 campaign.

Mike Adams is a versatile and athletic player who is capable of playing both guard and tackle and would be a welcome addition to the Steelers. Selecting him with the 24th overall pick may be considered a reach by some, but if the Steelers liked what they saw, it wouldn't be the first time that Pittsburgh bucked conventional wisdom for a player that they felt fit their system.

New Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley was also in attendance at the pro day and personally worked out wide receiver Devier Posey. Although Posey's 2011 season was a suspension-filled fiasco as a result of the scandals that rocked OSU last year, the 6'2", 211-pound senior appears to be waking up from that nightmare.

According to Lande:

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Posey, worked out by new Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley, proved he has the talent to stick in the NFL. He ran smooth routes and showed good quickness and agility getting in and out of his cuts. Posey also showed excellent concentration and good hands. He was sharp catching all types of passes with only one drop. Posey showed little explosiveness, however, looking more like a one-speed runner than a blazer. He's still in position to be a second- or third-round pick.

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It's likely no coincidence that Haley wanted to get a close-up look at Posey, given the release of wide receiver Hines Ward by the Steelers and the possible departure of restricted free agent Mike Wallace. That would leave Pittsburgh with a significant hole at the wideout spot.

It may be rather unlikely that Pittsburgh would be willing to spend a second-round pick on Posey unless they fell in love with what they witnessed Monday, but should Posey drop into the third round, he'd represent the sort of value pick that the Steelers have become famous for making in the past.

Tomlin and company may have decided to visit Columbus Monday for no other reason than the fact that it's a short trip from the Steel City and would afford them a look at two players they have cursory interest in.

However, it's just as possible that the Steelers' interest in Mike Adams and/or Devier Posey may be more than just cursory. After a strong pro day, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see one of those Buckeyes standouts donning the black and gold this fall in the National Football League.

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