Building a 2012 NFL Draft Big Board for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Sideline View's Lance Zierlein released his "Steelers Project" on Sunday, a series regarding the way the team puts together their big board (our own Sigmund Bloom discusses it here).

Zierlein goes into further detail, but it's pretty much as I had figured: the Steelers, unlike other teams, don't get concerned about what any other squad has in mind and focuses solely on listing the best players who meet their particular needs on their big board.

I suggest checking it out alongside this big board to get a better idea as to how the Steelers approach the draft and why I selected the players that I did.

So, without further ado, here is my truncated 15-player Steelers draft-day big board.

1. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Both Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are off the Steelers' big board because they simply do not need a starting quarterback — obviously. But Matt Kalil tops the board considering the pressing need on the offensive line. Kalil would likely be Pittsburgh's right tackle in this scenario, but the point is mostly moot because the Steelers won't land him.

2. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

An in-house competition to take over the cornerback spot vacated by William Gay would be unnecessary if the Steelers landed Morris Claiborne, the best defensive player in this year's draft.

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The Steelers have a cadre of running backs already on the roster, but it is still a position of need and Richardson's the best of the draft class. Richardson is primed to make an instant, significant impact on whichever team that drafts him.

4. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Again, the offensive line needs help and David DeCastro is projected to be the top guard in the draft, so of course he'd be near the top of the Steelers' big board. Again, the players listed are the best according to need, not players the Steelers are likely to pick up.

5. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Strong, disciplined and versatile — just what the Steelers want in a linebacker, and that's what Courtney Upshaw brings to the table. He'd be a long-term starter from day one.

6. Michael Brockers, DE, LSU

Michael Brockers isn't the best pass rusher, but his prototypical size, excellent tackling and great speed makes him one of the best defensive end prospects in the draft.

7. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Cordy Glenn's name has been linked to the Steelers numerous times in the past months and is a realistic target for the team to land in this year's draft. He can also play tackle, which is useful for an injury-prone offensive line that has seen numerous personnel shifts.

8. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Steelers are likely in the market to add a wide receiver this year, even if they do retain both Mike Wallace and Jerricho Cotchery. Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon is the top player at the position this year.

9. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

If the Steelers are going to make a move for a nose tackle in the first round, it will likely be to grab Memphis' Dontari Poe. Poe's draft stock rose with an impressive Combine performance but has started to slip as the event fades from memory. That could be in the Steelers' favor, but it could also be indicative of issues that will prevent the team from taking him should he still be on the board in the first round.

10. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

The Steelers are projected to go linebacker in the first round of the draft if they cannot get their guy on offensive line, and Dont'a Hightower has been linked to the team for weeks. Hightower is large, strong, and very physical. One drawback is his 2009 ACL surgery. The injury could land him lower on the Steelers' board as a result.

11. Melvin Ingram, OLB/DE, South Carolina

Melvin Ingram has everything you'd want in a 3-4 outside linebacker or defensive end except for size. But he makes up for that considerably with his exceptional athleticism, versatility, speed and pass rush abilities.

12. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Riley Reiff is both fast and strong and is solid at pass protection and run blocking. He does rely on his size more than his technique, which makes him a slightly raw prospect. But the fact that he's played guard and tackle, on both the right and left, is attractive.

13. Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Safety is likely to be an area the Steelers will look at closely this year, and the draft's top strong safety, Alabama's Mark Barron, has drawn their attention. He's a hard-hitting tackler, larger than most safeties, and more importantly, he is durable. If there's a way for the Steelers to get Barron in the second round, they very well might.

14. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Though the Steelers don't have an early-round need for a tight end, they'd be remiss not to have the draft's top player at the position on the top part of their board. Fleener would be a second-round target for the Steelers, but he should be off the board by the time they make their selection.

15. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Luke Kuechly isn't a first-round prospect for most teams, but his tackling style would be a great complement to the rest of the Steelers' linebackers. Not just a pure pass rusher, Kuechly is adept at pursuing runners and could make a huge impact when it comes to getting pressure on a scrambling quarterback.

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