2011 NFL Draft: 5 Possible Landing Places for Mike Pouncey

Mike Pouncey has a tough act to follow.  Last year, his twin brother Maurkice exceeded everyone's expectations by not only starting at center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but playing on the same level as the top centers in the NFL.  Pouncey will be a hot commodity in the draft due to his ability to play nearly every position on the offensive line, and should be gone somewhere in the second half of the first round.  Here are five possible landing spots for Mike Pouncey, in order of likely hood.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 02: Jamaal Jackson #67 of the Philadelphia Eagles gets ready to hike the ball during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 2, 2008 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

It's no secret that the Eagles need help on the offensive line.  Injuries and general poor play plagued it all last season.  The interior was especially banged up, and Mike Pouncey could play either guard or center, or even fill in at tackle if necessary. 

Jamaal Jackson is a good center when healthy, but is often injured.  Pouncey could learn from him, and fill in if he gets hurt.

In conclusion, I think that the Eagles will look to free agency (if there ever is one) to fill the holes on their line, as they have done in the past, and look to draft a cornerback with this pick.

4. Baltimore Ravens

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 03: Running back Willis McGahee #23 of the Baltimore Raves sits on the bench with ice on his left knee between Marshal Yanda #73 and Michael Oher #74 during their preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on September

The Ravens O-line struggled in 2010, allowing the ninth most QB sacks in the league.  It also had the sixth worst yards per carry average in the league, with 3.8 yards per rush.  While rising stars like Michael Oher help this line show flashes of brilliance at times, they just aren't very impressive.  Pass protection was shaky at best, and they just weren't blasting enough holes in the run game.  Help in the interior of the line would really help.

The Ravens are aging on defense, and may use this pick on a future defensive star, but if Mike Pouncey falls this far, they will definitely give him a long look.  And how cool would it be to have twin brothers on opposite sides of one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL?

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Chris Kemoeatu #68, Maurkice Pouncey #53, Ramon Foster #73 and Flozell Adams #71 of the Pittsburgh Steelers look on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland.

It is unlikely that Mike Pouncey will fall to the Steelers at No. 31, so if they want him, they will probably have to trade up for him.  The Giants, who have the 19th pick, are an attractive option, and the Steelers have traded draft picks with them often in the past. 

The Steelers have a shaky offensive line, and Ben Roethlisberger rarely has time to pass.  Putting Pouncey with his brother Maurkice and Chris Kemoeatu would turn the interior of the offensive line into a strength.  Add a healthy return by RT Willie Colon, and the Steelers offensive line would be in pretty good shape.

The knock on Pouncey that could cause him to fall to 31st is how poorly he snaps out of the shotgun formation.  Last year he had over 100 missed snaps (meaning the quarterback having to adjust himself to catch it), and he would probably be better suited as a guard.  Guards are not as highly valued as centers, so if teams consider his poor snapping a legitimate problem, he might possibly fall to the Steelers.  Otherwise, they will have to trade up if they want him.

2. Dallas Cowboys

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SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 21: Andre Gurode #65, Leonard Davis #70 and Robert Brewster #79 of the Dallas Cowboys in action during the pre-season NFL football game against San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on August 21, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo

Mike Pouncey has said that he would be very surprised if he is not picked by the Cowboys.  The Cowboys offensive line played poorly in 2010, so it would make sense if they went after an offensive lineman with their first pick.  The only problem with this is that the Cowboys pick ninth, which is probably a bit too high for a center/guard, especially with a few top offensive tackles sure to be still on the board.

Pouncey's versatility would, however, make him a great fit on the Cowboys.  If the Cowboys stay put, I would expect them to grab a top tackle such as Tyron Smith or Anthony Castonzo.  If they trade down to the middle of the first round, they would be in good position to grab Pouncey.

1. Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Center Olin Kreutz #57 of the Chicago Bears prepares to snap the ball against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by A

The Chicago Bears are either blowing off smoke, or very interested in drafting Mike Pouncey.  I think that they are genuinely interested.  If he falls to them, they would happily snap him up and groom him to replace aging center Olin Kreutz.  Pouncey plays ferociously and would be a good fit at guard for a few years, then move to center when Kreutz retires. 

The Bears have also expressed some interest in drafting a defensive tackle, but with several tackle needy teams ahead of them such as the Giants, Chiefs, Colts and Eagles, it is unlikely their man will fall to them.  I expect them to grab Pouncey at No. 29.