2011 NFL Draft: Could the Pittsburgh Steelers Trade out of the First Round?

There has been a ton of debate about what the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to do in the upcoming draft.

The truth is that we are still a while from the big weekend and players’ stock will be rising and falling many times before then.

I myself have had the Steelers going OT in the first round, however I have been getting the feeling that they might not stay there at 31.

Most think that we will trade up to get Mike Pouncey, yet I believe we could instead trade down and here are 10 guys they could be targeting if they do so.

Greg Jones ILB

This probably seems crazy to some people, and I do not think this is going to happen though. I did not think they would take a linebacker in the second round last year either.

If this actually happens, it would mean that the Steelers are preparing for next offseason when Lawrence Timmons’ contract is up, and are worried they are not going to be able to resign him.

Jones was once considered a first-round pick and could be an every down linebacker; however, I am honestly hoping that this does not happen.

Joe Barksdale OT

With Willie Colon coming off injury, and Flozell Adams at the end of his career, the Steelers need to continue upgrading their offensive line.

Barksdale would start out at right tackle; however, has the ability to develop into a left tackle and would give the Steelers much needed depth at the position.

Marcus Gilbert OT

Marcus Gilbert may have turned in a bad 40 time at the combine, 5.43, but he looked good during the actual position drills.

I would not look at how fast Gilbert runs, I would pay more attention to his versatility to be able to play both guard and tackle.

Clint Boling G

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 21: Clint Boling #60 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium on November 21, 2009 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Clint Boling is another guy who has played both guard and tackle in college; however, he is slated to play only guard in the NFL.

If the Steelers trade out of the first round, it will most likely be for an offensive lineman, and Boling is a good tough guy to add to the line.

Rodney Hudson G/C

Rodney Hudson is one of the top interior linemen in the draft, and to that point, is one of the best pass and run blockers.

He would give the Steelers added depth at both center and guard, and would help out Maurkice Pouncey by contributing from day one.

Andrew Jackson G

Andrew Jackson will have to answer some injury questions; however, will probably still be taken in the second round.

Jackson is a solid pass and run blocker, and plays with a fierceness that the Steelers would love to see on their offensive line.

Danny Watkins G

Dan Watkins could sneak into the first round and could actually be the selection for the Steelers if they stay at 31.

He looked good at both the Senior Bowl and Combine, and would compete for the starting spot at right guard.

Stefen Wisniewski G/C

Stefen Wisniewski is another guy who looked like he could sneak into the first round; however, I think he won’t go until round two.

He’s a smart guy with the ability to play either guard or center, and continues my theme of versatile lineman that would be able to help the Steelers.

Orlando Franklin G

Franklin quietly had a pretty good combine performance, showing good quickness and impressing in the position drills.

Although he is more of a guard in the NFL, he has experience playing both guard and tackle, and I think has the ability to fill in at either spot if called upon.

Marcus Cannon G

Marcus Cannon has quickly become one of my favorite linemen in the draft and furthered that by having a good showing at the combine while weighing in at 358 pounds.

Cannon is projected as a guard at this point; however, I feel he could develop into a solid tackle and would be a great pick for the Steelers in the second round.