2011 NFL Mock Draft: Final Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions
Finally, the draft is practically upon us. The time for mock drafts is all but over, the time for real results is just about upon us.
But before the Pittsburgh Steelers finally make their seven selections in the 2011 NFL draft, it's time for one last mock and a look at how things might play out once the clock starts running.
Here's the final 2011 mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Round 1: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
1 of 7
Why?
I'm not budging on this one. Williams fills the biggest need on the team and figures to be waiting when the Steelers select at the end of the round. If he's on the board, they really only have two choices in my mind: trade down and get him in the early second round while picking up an extra draft choice, or two, or take him at 31 and be glad he's there's now.
Free Agency Effects
It doesn't do much really. The Steelers still figure to be major players for Ike Taylor, their current starter at the corner position. Williams could then either sit the bench (likely in Dick LeBeau's defense) or start opposite Taylor. It will depend on how quickly he learns the system and proves himself in whatever opportunities he's given.
Round 2: James Carpenter, OT, Alabama
2 of 7
Why?
Again, it fits the need. Carpenter has been climbing up the draft boards. I'm not sure he's going to be ready to step in immediately, but he would give the team some flexibility and he does figure to develop into a good starting tackle in the NFL. He has the ability to go on either side of the line and be successful, which puts him above some of the other tackles that figure to be available at this point in the draft.
Free Agency Effects
He gives them flexibility here too. With Willie Colon a free agent, the team could choose to instead keep the under-contract Flozell Adams and let Carpenter learn behind him and push him for playing time. They could also re-sign Colon and move the former stud lineman to guard. I've seen both scenarios mentioned and both make sense to me.
Round 3: Kenrick Ellis, DT, Hampton
3 of 7
Why?
Casey Hampton is quietly but obviously losing his effectiveness. He's never been a workout warrior, and he's been prone to injury more and more in recent years to the point that he rotates out of the line on certain downs. That's a sign that it's time to infuse some youth behind him. Ellis has the potential to be every bit as good as the Pro Bowl version of Hampton and maybe even better given his quickness and athleticism, two words never used to describe Hampton.
Free Agency Effects
This draft pick would have some influence on whether or not the team tries to bring back Chris Hoke and/or Nick Eason, but there's a good chance they'll try to get at least one back either way. Outside of that, the Steelers weren't likely to pursue a defensive tackle on the market anyway. That's now how they do things.
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Round 4: Jason Pinkston, OT/G, Pittsburgh
4 of 7
Why?
You could slot Lee Ziemba from Auburn into this spot too. In my mind, the two players are interchangeable. Either way, I see that player playing guard at the next level. Pinkston is the hometown guy, so maybe in a pretty even battle, he gets the nod for that. We're going to go with that here. The point is that one pick won't fix the offensive line. A couple could eventually put them back on top. Neither of these guys will start right away, but they could push and steal playing time by the end of the season.
Free Agency Effects
This would probably make it harder for the team to resign super-sub Doug Legursky, which I think is a big issue. The team should still push for his return as he's the best kind of backup: one who can play everywhere along the line.
Round 5: Kendric Burney, CB, UNC
5 of 7
Why?
Say what you want about Crezdon Butler and Keenan Lewis, but one pick won't fix this position either. Getting a guy like Burney could help with depth and could eventually give the Steelers a decent nickelback, if not a good starter. He's got a high ceiling and will be the best corner available at this point in all likelihood. Getting him would put the Steelers in good position to say they've solved their two biggest problems.
Free Agency Effects
Say goodbye to William Gay. If that's not a good side effect, I don't know what would be. Gay has been mostly horrendous in Pittsburgh, save for a few decent plays. Even as a rookie, Burney has more potential to do good.
Round 6: Alex Henery, K/P, Nebraska
6 of 7
Why?
I stewed over this, but in the end I'd rather come away with a good player who can help the team in scoring opportunities and who can shore up another major need than going with a skill position player. Drafting a kicker is seldom glamorous, but Henery has a great mix of stuff and could help the Steelers at punter as well. He's a solid sixth-round pick no matter how you slice it.
Free Agency Effects
It will play a part in whether or not the team pursues Daniel Sepulveda or another punter. The best course would be to draft Henery and then sign Sepulveda to some kind of incentive-based deal. If he isn't ready, you can have Henery pull double duty for a few games. Why not?
Round 7: Greg Lloyd, ILB, Connecticut
7 of 7
Why?
I've cooled a little on Lloyd, but by the seventh round, he may be among the best available and the Steelers are always looking for linebackers to groom. Who better than the son of a former Steelers star? The younger Lloyd has the same intensity and vicious style his father was known for, and he has some of the tools that linebackers need to be successful. He needs coaching, time and some intense work, but he could develop. Remember, James Harrison was a nobody once and now is among the most-feared NFL linebackers.
Free Agency Effects
I can't really imagine that this changes much. It may make things hard later in training camp when it comes time to cut down the rosters. Lloyd, however, is a player Pittsburgh might be able to stash on the practice squad for a year or two. His drafting won't really change anything about free agency.
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