2011 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers' 7-Round Mock 2.0

The 2011 NFL draft is a little under a month away and it has been about a month since my first seven-round mock for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I think most all of us agree that the Steelers' biggest needs would be cornerback, offensive line and defensive line.

The thing none of us can agree on, however, is in what order the Steelers will actually draft those positions.

And let’s face it—99 percent of us are going to be wrong come draft day.

Here is my seven-round mock of how I feel the Steelers draft is going to play out come April 28 and I also have who I had in that spot in my previous mock.

First Round

Previous: Derrick Sherrod, OT

Aaron Williams, CB

It’s no secret that the Steelers need to upgrade their secondary. With the lockout we still do not know what is going to happen with Ike Taylor.

Williams’ stock went down at one point this offseason because teams think he will be better suited as a safety in the NFL. It was thought he could slip into the second round.

The Steelers love to draft big corners, so Williams would compete for the Steelers third corner spot with William Gay, Keenan Lewis and Crezdon Butler.

Second Round

Previous: Ras-I Dowling, CB

Ras-I Dowling, CB

Even if we bring Ike Taylor back, Bryant McFadden had trouble staying healthy, William Gay had trouble covering anyone and Keenan Lewis has trouble getting on the field.

Crezdon Butler gets a pass since he was a rookie last season.

Anyone who’s read my articles knows that I am a huge Ras-I Dowling fan and think he could end up being a solid starter in the future.

If you look to the future, I see either Keenan Lewis, Aaron Williams or Dowling being converted to safety to replace Ryan Clark.

Third Round

Previous: Robert Sands, S

Kenrick Ellis, DT

When I wrote my first mock, Kenrick Ellis was a guy I thought could be a late-round steal.

Now I am hoping he falls to the Steelers in the third round.

The Steelers have always avoided drafting a guy to replace Casey Hampton, but I think this could possibly be the year the go for it.

Ellis is tough-nosed player who is not only stout against the run, but also will bring a little pass rush to the Steelers at the defensive tackle position.

Fourth Round

Previous: Lee Smith, TE

Chris Hairston, OT

This is probably later than anyone else thinks the Steelers will wait to grab an offensive lineman.

However, if the draft falls the way I have it and the Steelers can get Dowling and Ellis in Rounds 2 and 3, I do think they will wait to get an offensive lineman, even though it is clearly a need.

I just get the feeling the Steelers are high on last year’s rookie Chris Scott.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see either him get a shot to start at guard or them moving Willie Colon to that spot.

Hairston is a solid pass and run blocker and would give the Steelers added depth at a position that was decimated by injury last season.

Fifth Round

Previous: Kenrick Ellis, DT

Da’Rel Scott, RB

Most people do not see the Steelers bringing back veteran Mewelde Moore, leaving the team with a need for a third-down back.

Rashard Mendenhall has become one of the best complete backs in the game, but the Steelers don’t really have a true third-down back behind him on the roster.

Da’Rel Scott visited with the Steelers this week and has good speed and hands out of the backfield.

Sixth Round

Previous: Benjamin Jacobs, ILB

Owen Marecic, FB

Bruce Arians refuses to use a true fullback in his system and the Steelers have been using tight end David Johnson in that role.

Marecic is the ultimate versatile player, as he played both full back and linebacker in college and brings an attitude to the position.

The only knock on Marecic would be actually carrying and catching the ball.

But he brings it on every down as far as his blocking and loves to hit.

Seventh Round

Previous: Alex Henery, K

Mario Harvey, LB

The Steelers are pretty set at linebacker, with good starters like James Harrison, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons and Lamar Woodley, and backups in Larry Foote, Stevenson Sylvestor and Jason Worilds.

Keyaron Fox is a free agent and won’t be back, and the Steelers always have a soft spot in their heart for a linebacker.

Harvey is reportedly scheduled to make a pre-draft visit with the Steelers. He would add depth and be able to contribute on special teams.