2011 NFL Draft Preview: Ranking the Pittsburgh Steelers' 1st-Round Prospects
The Pittsburgh Steelers draft board is set. Countless hours of study and preparation has narrowed down the list of draftable college prospects to approximately 160 according to Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert.
In the team’s Monday pre-draft press conference, Colbert stated, “We started out with about 1,000 names. I know we have roughly 400 more detailed, cumulative reports that include (evaluations from) several scouts and coaches. You narrow that down to about a 200-player draft pool. We narrow those 200 down a little further, (until) there are about 160 who fit the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
By fitting the Pittsburgh Steelers, Colbert is referring to players who are healthy, fit the 3-4 defense and have the character that the Steelers look for in their players.
“When you look at those 160, there are probably about 100 we think could improve our team and they are at all different levels throughout the draft,” added Colbert.
So with nearly 100 players interviewed, whether it was at the combine, or their pro day or at the Steelers facility, Pittsburgh’s pre-draft process is complete and now they will play the waiting game while working the phones to see if they can move up or down.
But if you had to make a bet, expect the Steelers to take a young player if they do indeed draft in the first round. That has been the trend since Mike Tomlin took over as head coach.
“That I probably am attracted to young guys, and even though there are growing pains that come with that, it’s something I embrace and enjoy,” said Tomlin. “I like helping players grow and develop, and I think our track record indicates that.”
There is no doubt about that.
Tomlin’s first draft pick was Lawrence Timmons, who was a 20 years old when he was selected. Rashard Mendenhall and Maurkice Pouncey were also 20 years old when they were selected.
With this information in place, here is a preview and ranking of potential first round selections for the Steelers according to NFL draft experts.
Expert Mock Draft Selections
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Rob Rang (CBS.com) – Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Chad Reuter (CBS.com) – Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU
NFL.com Mock Draft" target="_blank">Pat Kirwan (NFL.com) – Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Steve Wyche (NFL.com) – Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
Nolan Nawrocki (PFW) – Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami
Scott Wright (NFL Draft Countdown) – Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Ben Standig (FFToolbox) – Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
Lou Pickney (Draft King) – Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Great Blue North – Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Walter Cherepinsky (Walter Football) – Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Robert Davis (Footballs Future) – Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
DraftTek – Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Draft experts have made their choice and the choice is clear. Of the 12 mock drafts examined, five selected Aaron Williams. Danny Watkins was the only other player who was selected by more than one expert, with a total of two selections. Marcus Cannon, Orlando Franklin, Derek Sherrod, Gabe Carimi and Brandon Harris each were selected by one expert.
That rounds out to six selections at cornerback and six along the offensive line, three selections for guard and three for tackle.
Beyond the expert selections, here are the other first round possibilities for the Steelers (by position): Benjamin Ijalana, OG, Villanova; Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor; Marcus Cannon, OG, TCU; Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State; James Carpenter, OT, Alabama; Nate Solder, OT, Colorado; Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami; Heyward, DE, Ohio State; Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple; Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor; Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
With the prospects in place, here are the top 15 options for the Pittsburgh Steelers if they maintain their 31st selection overall.
15. Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
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Watkins is a first-round guard prospect who has plenty of room to grow as a player as he has only played football for four years.
In that brief time, Watkins developed into a quality offensive lineman who earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors as a second-year starter last season.
Known for his athleticism and strength, Watkins has the skill set that would fit perfectly along the Steelers offensive line. He would immediately improve their run blocking as he continues to develop as a player.
What isn’t to like about Watkins? He will be 27 years old when the season kicks off.
Tomlin likes young players in the first round and Watkins does not fit this profile at all.
14. Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami
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If there is one player’s name who has been popping up a lot lately it would be Franklin’s.
Not even talked about as a potential first-round selection throughout the draft process, Franklin appears to be moving up draft boards over the past several days.
The 6’5” tackle should be able to start on the outside at the NFL level at either right or left tackle.
Franklin’s best asset is his run blocking ability where he can consistently get to the second level. Once he is locked on Franklin can move defenders with ease.
Franklin will have to improve in his pass protection where he can get overpowered with his upright stance. He may also have trouble with speed rushers as his footwork develops.
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13. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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One of the rawest prospects who could be available is Solder.
At over 6’8”, Solder has room to add to his 319-pound frame, which he will need to compete against the big defensive linemen in the NFL.
A First Team All-American last year, Solder has only begun to reach his potential at tackle, a position that he has only played for three seasons.
Against the stronger and more skilled players in the NFL, Solder will have to improve his quickness, footwork and strength in order to compete.
Pittsburgh does have the luxury of developing Solder, but is it a risk that they want to take when he still needs so much work at his craft?
12. Benjamin Ijalana, OG Villanova
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Ijalana is an accomplished lower level prospect who started for four years and earned First Team All-CAA honors for three consecutive years.
With his height at just under 6’4”, Ijalana would likely have to move inside after starting at left tackle. However, his tremendous foot skills and quickness that he developed while playing tackle should serve him well.
Ijalana’s athleticism would be a huge plus for the Steelers interior, which is lacking athletic play besides Maurkice Pouncey.
Given his level of competition, Ijalana is on the lower end of the first round radar, but he has a huge upside if given time to develop.
11. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Williams is the most popular name in the Steelers' first-round selection, but his upside is limited.
Some scouts do not view him as a starting cornerback, but instead a safety in part due to his 40-yard dash time, which came in at over 4.50 seconds.
However, William’s size, standing at 6’0” and weighing 204 pounds, fits right in with his physical style of play. This is something that the Steelers would love about him. He is also a junior and Pittsburgh has taken younger players in the first round.
Williams is willing to step up in run support and can lay out receivers.
As a two-year starter for the Longhorns, Williams has plenty of experience against top competition and is coming from a college which has produced a number of quality defensive backs lately including Quentin Jammer, Nathan Vasher and Cedric Griffin.
The big knock on Williams is his overall lack of speed. He will have trouble staying with speed receivers which would likely relegate him to a number two cornerback in the league.
After finishing with no interceptions last year, his playmaking abilities, or lack thereof, are also a concern.
If Williams cannot cut it at cornerback, he should have a successful career at safety.
10. Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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Like Williams, Harris came out as a junior and has not come up with many interceptions over his career, but he is very fast and agile and should be able to keep up with some of the fastest in the NFL.
Coming from Miami, Harris has a pedigree of a school which has produced many NFL quality defensive backs including Antrel Rolle and Kelly Jennings.
A concern about Harris is his lack of height, coming in at just under 5’10”. That could be a detriment to him when playing in the NFL.
Harris will have a difficult time matching up against the bigger and stronger receivers in the league, who should be able to win the battles at the line and out leap him.
Although Harris can be physical, he is not as good in run support compared to other late first to second round cornerback prospects.
Harris’ three years of starting, though, have prepared him for the NFL. He is excellent in coverage and is good at locating the ball and knocking it away from receivers.
If Harris were an inch or two taller, his draft stock would be much higher. As it is, he should profile as solid second cover corner or an excellent nickel back.
9. Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple
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Wilkerson was named First Team All-MAC two years in a row at defensive tackle and could make the position switch to defensive end in Pittsburgh’s scheme.
Standing at over 6’4”, Wilkerson is a “lean” 315 pounds and is very athletic for such a big man which aids him rushing the passer. He had 17.5 sacks in three seasons, including nine and half last year.
Wilkerson played most of the time against lower competition and has plenty of developing to do.
At times he will play too upright allowing offensive linemen to handle him with ease.
Regardless, the potential is there and he would be an interesting choice at 31. As a junior coming out, he has plenty of time to develop and fits the Steelers profile of a young first-round choice.
8. Marcus Cannon, OG, TCU
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Cannon is one of the most massive players in the 2011 draft, weighing in at nearly 360 pounds.
He has played both right and left tackle for TCU and has earned First Team All-MWC honors two years in a row. Cannon would more than likely shift to right guard in Pittsburgh.
Cannon keeps his pads low off the snap and can absolutely dominate defenders, particularly in the ground game. He is a mauler and would be a great fit along the Steelers interior.
However, his weight could be a concern if he is unable to manage it. Despite the size, Cannon has tremendous athleticism.
7. James Carpenter, OT, Alabama
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Carpenter is a second-round prospect who may sneak into the first round depending who is on the board when the Steelers are on the clock.
He has the size and skill set to start at left tackle, but would have the luxury to sit behind Flozell Adams for one year to learn right tackle where he could start by his second season.
Carpenter played left tackle in a pro style offense against elite competition while at Alabama which should also help him transition to the NFL. He earned All-SEC honors both years as a starter.
He is a does nothing great but everything well type of player and should develop into a quality starter at the next level.
6. Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
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If not for an injury-plagued senior year, Dowling would likely be a clear-cut first round prospect.
Dowling has the size, 6’1”, and speed, 4.46 40-yard dash, which profiles as a number one cornerback. That is the type of prospect that the Steelers could use with their first round selection.
He has eight career interceptions, but had none as a senior when he only played five games due to various injuries.
Dowling has the speed to run downfield with speedy receivers, but will still get beat on occasion. Even when he does get beat he has the ball skills to make up for it.
One of Dowlings’ best assets is his physical style of play. He is a solid wrap up tackler who has no issues in getting involved with run support.
Dowling is also a great character player who is well-respected by his teammates.
There is no doubt that Dowling should be a very good player if he can stay healthy and he could be Pittsburgh’s first selection.
5. Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
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Recently, there have been some stories regarding Taylor’s foot where there is a possible injury that could have long-term impacts.
Without confirmation, it is difficult to determine where Taylor will go in the draft. Assuming that his health is not in question, he should be one of the top prospects that the Steelers look at.
Taylor would be a pure fit at nose tackle in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense where he would take over Chris Hoke as Casey Hampton’s primary backup.
As with Hampton, Taylor is not the most athletic player and could have weight issues, he currently weighs around 334 pounds. The lack of athleticism will limit his pass rushing abilities, which should be a non-issue for the Steelers.
It is Taylor’s outstanding potential as a run stopper as well as his ability to eat up blocks is what will draw the Steelers to him.
A top nose tackle is what a great 3-4 defense needs to succeed and the Steelers will have to find a replacement for Hampton soon.
4. Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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A First Team All-American, Carimi is a high end prospect with more potential than Sherrod, but also has a higher bust potential.
At over 6’7”, Carimi may lose leverage battles as he plays upright. He is also slow off the snap on passing plays which allows speed rushers to have their way with him.
Being slow off the ball allows the speed rushers to beat Carimi outside and get him off-balanced or shorter defenders can get underneath his pads to throw him off.
However, Carimi is much better run blocking. He is quick off the line and is a nice drive blocker and rarely loses a battle in this area of his game.
Carimi has a ton of upside but is not a sure bet to play left tackle. He may settle into a right tackle spot.
3. Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
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Heyward is not a flashy player, but the 6’5”, 294-pound defensive end has the size that the Steelers look for as well as the demeanor.
The Steelers showed a lot of interest in Heyward at Ohio State’s pro day and his football IQ could be what gets him selected in the first round by Pittsburgh. It was one of the biggest factors in them selecting Pouncey last year.
Heyward was a four-year starter for Ohio State and was awarded with All-Big 10 honors the last two seasons.
He was criticized for inconsistent play as a senior, but that should be overshadowed by his technical play and his talent as a dominant run stopper.
Pittsburgh will use four defensive ends in their rotation if the depth is there and Heyward has the talent to enter that rotation as a rookie.
As with all Pittsburgh defensive linemen, defensive line coach John Mitchell would strip Heyward down from everything he knows and build him back up in the Steelers’ mold.
It worked for Ziggy Hood and it should work for Heyward as well.
2. Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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In the on-going search for pass protection, one of the safest picks that the Steelers could make at the end of the first round would be Sherrod.
Sherrod projects as a left tackle, and like any other tackle prospect, may start his career on the right side. He started three years at left tackle while at Mississippi State.
Like many of the prospects that the Steelers look at, Sherrod is a very smart player both on and off the field as he graduated Cum Laude in business.
Sherrod is very good in both run blocking and pass protection and is virtually NFL-ready right now.
He has very good footwork and can handle both power and speed when it comes to pass rushers and can help anchor a stout ground attack as well.
Sherrod is a very good prospect at an area of need and his intangibles are excellent as well. He would be a great fit for the Steelers and help solidify the outside for the next decade.
1. Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
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Pouncey is at the top of the draft board even though it is highly unlikely that he will fall to the 31st overall selection. It can happen though, weird things happen in the draft.
With the potential that things fall into place, or if Pittsburgh trades up, Pouncey may be the best player that the Steelers could draft this year outside of Patrick Peterson.
With Pouncey, the Steelers would be getting a virtual clone of last year’s first-round pick, Maurkice Pouncey.
The team reportedly loves Pouncey and would be getting another high-IQ lineman with tremendous athleticism to pull. The chemistry on the interior would also be instant as the two have plenty of experience playing next to each other.
Mike may not be the Pro Bowl player that his brother Maurkice was at a rookie, but he should be a top guard in the league and could be even better if he could be re-united with his brother.
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