Pittsburgh Steelers: 10 Prospects They'll Target in the 2011 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers know that while winning the Super Bowl was the ultimate goal this year, starting Monday morning, it goes back to business as usual. The Steelers, for all their success, were a flawed team, and the one thing they have been tremendous about doing is addressing their weaknesses in the draft. Whether it be Casey Hampton, Mike Wallace, Ben Reothlisberger or Troy Polamalu, the Steelers have a knack for getting the right guys to get better.

Of course, picking at the end of the first round means that you are unlikely to get everyone you want, but there are some guys that can really improve them even near the bottom.

So here is a look at the 10 prospects they'll be targeting in the draft.  

10. DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas

His Upside:

DeMarcus Love possesses something that the Steelers in particular like: nastiness. As a member of the Razorbacks, he was as tough as they come and playing in a very physical AFC, he can't afford to be soft. He's very quick off the ball but isn't as agile as some of those in his grouping. He's got good handwork and is particularly effective as a run blocker because of his immense strength.

His Downside:

He's not going to fit in as left tackle because he lacks the kind of agility and balance you need for that.

Bottom Line:

Over time, Love could be a staple on the right side of the ball.  

9. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Why They Will Target Him:

Watt is not a lock to go this low, but with a very solid, but not outstanding, defensive line class, it's possible he dips low. He's quick off the ball and he's got a great rush to him. He's a smart player and he's willing to get better.

His Downside:

He lacks the kind of technique you want to see in your defensive end.

Bottom Line:

He's got the smarts and the ability to get better. With time, he could be a beast in the passing game.  

8. Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 26: Teammates Jason Pinkston #77 and Dion Lewis #28 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates after a 19-17 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels on December 26, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty

His Upside:

He moves into sets quickly and doesn't move like a big man. His initial burst against the run his impressive. Plus, Pinkston is a local guy so the transition would be easy for him.

His Downside:

His footwork can be troublesome at times. Against the explosive pass rushes he'll see in the NFL, he could get caught off balance more often then they would like.

Bottom Line:

He's got good instincts and knows the position well. With good coaching, he could make a difference for them.  

7. Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: Justin Houston #42 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after returning a fumble for a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Ima

His Upside:

Versatile. There are plenty who think that while Houston is a good linebacking prospect, he could turn into a top notch defensive end in time. He's quick and can really attack the edge with a good upfield burst.

His Downside:

He still lacks read and react skills. He's not a great tackler and too often, he lets guys get away from him. That's a recipe for disaster in the NFL if he doesn't improve.

Bottom Line:

What he might lack in technique he makes up for in potential. The Steelers know they can work with him and make him an elite player.  

6. Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

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COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 07: Defensive tackle Phil Taylor #11 of the Baylor Bears watches from the bench during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Get

His Upside:

If the Steelers are going to find a suitable replacement for Casey Hampton, they should look into Phil Taylor. He excels in run support and has a great swim move to aid in the pass rush. When he gets low ad sets himself, he is very tough to handle.

His Downside:

How some academic and other off the field issues that put him out of Penn State. The Steelers certainly don't want more guys with off the field issues.

Bottom Line:

Taylor, if he can stay out of trouble, could take some of the snap load off of Casey Hampton and give him a few more years of high quality production.  

5. Orlando Franklin, G, Miami(FL)

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 25: Offensive lineman Orlando Franklin #74 of the Miami Hurricanes drops back to block while taking on the Wake Forest Demon Decons at Dolphin Stadium on October 25, 2008 in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated Wake Forest 16-10. (Photo by Dou

His Upside:

Really good balance. While he doesn't excel in any particular area, he's good at both the pass and the run. He's got a good push off the ball and he's got good awareness.

His Downside:

He needs to develop his lower body strength. Will do well with a strength coach.

Bottom Line:

There isn't much of a downside to him, and if they can get him, they will, if nothing else for the fact that he picks up the blitz so well. With the NFL very blitz heavy from the 3-4 schemes they are seeing so much of, a guy like Franklin could be rather valuable.  

4. Anthony Costonzo, OT, Boston College

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 03: Anthony Castonzo #74 of the Boston College Eagles congratulates teammate Montel Harris #2 after Harris scored a touchdown in the first quarter against the Florida State Seminoles on October 3, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Che

His Upside:

He's got great size, and it's tough for pass rushers to get around him. He's got great positioning and knows his technique well.

His Downside:

While he's got good height, he doesn't have quite the bulk that his position needs. He has the tendency to get bull rushed quite a bit.

Bottom Line:

The Steelers can add weight to him. Technique and awareness he has will make him a valued member of the offensive line.

3. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - NOVEMBER 26: Wide receiver Malcolm Williams #9 of the Texas Longhorns runs for a gain after making a reception against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first half at Kyle Field on November 26, 2009 in College Station, Texas. The Longhorn

His Upside:

Above average cover corner. He's got the size and speed that you need to succeed. He knows how to diagnose the pass route and a good blitzing corner. Fast enough in the cover game to make up for initial mistakes.

His Downside:

Sometimes he's too aggressive and can jump the routes to the point of getting beat by a good double move. He needs to work on turning his hips with his feet.

Bottom Line:

He's got a great upside that far outweighs his downside.  

2. Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01: Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators hugs teammate Mike Pouncey #55 after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisana Superdome on January 1, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

His Upside:

Pouncey would fit in well in the interior line of the Steelers. He's got good awareness, and his time as a center will make him a good insurance policy if something were to go wrong with Maurkice.

His Downside:

While there isn't a lot about Pouncey that scares you, the can be overpowered at times and does occassionally forget to finish plays.

Bottom Line:

The Steelers will be hoping he falls to them, but his upside is enough that he should be gone before they get even their first pick.  

1. Tyron Smith, OT, USC

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 05: Joe McKnight #4 of the USC Trojans celebrates his touchdown with Tyron Smith #70 and David Ausberry #9 during the second quarter against the San Jose State Spartans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 5, 2009 in

His Upside:

At this point, Smith is still lower on the board, but he's got top prospect written all over him. He is a great pass blocker and should provide max protection for Ben immediately.

His Downside:

Needs to develop better footwork. He tends to stop moving his legs and pushing, which can get him beat in the running game.

Bottom Line:

Tyron Smith could fall as far as the end of the first round. If he does, then you can be sure the Steelers will forget everything they had planned and get him. He's got too much upside to be passed over. The Steelers just hope they are the only team who feels that way.