2011 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers 7-Round Mock Draft, Final Prediction
Will it be a cornerback, offensive lineman or defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
It is that simple come Thursday evening as the 2011 NFL draft begins.
The Steelers have three key positions to upgrade, and they could very well spend their first three draft selections on upgrading their defensive backfield and lines.
Pittsburgh’s front office and coaching staff will draft based on talent as well as need when it comes to their first pick, and if they hold serve, they will select an underclassman.
However, with the lack of upper echelon talent at the bottom of the first round, Pittsburgh may have to stray from that strategy. It is also very possible that they move up to acquire top level talent as they did back in 2006, moving from the 32nd selection to 25th to draft Santonio Holmes.
The Steelers also did not rule out trading out of the first round, which would be a first under Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert.
So, in the words of the NFL commissioner, “With the 31st overall selection of the 2011 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select…”
Round 1, Pick 31: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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Pittsburgh will continue to build their offensive line with the selection of Derek Sherrod.
Sherrod is one of the most NFL-ready prospects in the draft with plenty of starting experience at left tackle against top quality opponents in the SEC.
While he may not start as a rookie, Sherrod would likely be able to compete against veteran right tackle Flozell Adams.
Sherrod may not have the highest upside of the tackles available in the draft, but he may be the most complete player.
The Steelers will pass on Aaron Williams because he is a bit of reach in the first round, while Sherrod is one of the top four rated tackles and will be the best player available at a position of need.
Other possibilities: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State; Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor; Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Previous selection: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
Round 2, Pick 63: Davon House, CB, New Mexico State
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While this may be a bit early for House, his size, athleticism and experience are three positives that not every cornerback prospect possesses.
House stands at over 6’0” and ran a 4.50 40-yard dash. As a four-year starter at New Mexico State, he put up 11 interceptions.
As a physical defensive back, House would fit into the Steelers scheme. He will offer help in run support and does a nice job jamming receivers at the line.
House has good leaping ability and decent ball skills.
The level of competition that House faced is a concern, as are his overaggressive tendencies.
With time, House does have starter potential, but at the very least, should be able to contribute on passing downs as a rookie. He would compete with William Gay as for the role as nickel back.
Previous selection: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
Round 3, Pick 95: Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State
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Chimdi Chekwa is a blazing fast cornerback who could be a potential steal at this point of the draft.
Though the Steelers will not count on their rookies to contribute much, they still need to stockpile talent at the position with recent struggles including Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett.
Chekwa would be the Steelers only pure speed option beyond Ike Taylor, if he is re-signed.
The Steelers did send a number of representatives to Ohio State’s pro day, and there was said to be interest in Chekwa.
Previous selection: Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida
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Round 4, Pick 128: Jerrell Powe, DT, Ole Miss
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After addressing needs along the offensive line and defensive backfield, Pittsburgh fills their final need with the massive Jerrell Powe.
Powe is a prototypical run-stuffing defensive tackle who with a year or two of development should be able to take over for Casey Hampton.
His low to the ground stature is similar to that of Hampton’s, but Powe will have to keep his weight under control.
Previous selection: Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado
Round 5, Pick 162: Mario Harvey, LB, Marshall
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Pittsburgh rarely goes through a draft without selecting a linebacker. Mario Harvey is a short, but very fast, prospect who could be a late round steal.
Last year, Pittsburgh looked to get a gem with Stevenson Sylvester, and Harvey could have the same type of impact as a rookie.
Harvey should immediately be able to contribute on special teams, but he could have a future chance to either start or earn the top backup role at inside linebacker.
Over his four years at Marshall, Harvey was extremely productive, with over 400 tackles.
Previous selection: Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State
6.196: Da-Rel Scott, RB, Maryland
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In what seems to be a tradition, every year, there is one player that I seem to stick with in every mock draft.
This year, it is Da’Rel Scott.
Scott is a very fast running back who could be a change of pace option for the Steelers.
He hasn’t really been depended on a go-to runner, but that will not be his role for the Steelers.
Scott could challenge Jonathan Dwyer for the third running back spot.
Previous selection: Da-Rel Scott, RB Maryland
Round 7, Pick 232: Jarriel King, OL, South Carolina
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To close out the draft, Pittsburgh will add a potential swingman to their offensive line.
Jarriel King is a big bodied lineman who will have to learn both guard and tackle if he wants to have a chance to make the team.
Though Pittsburgh is fairly deep along the offensive line, they still lack talent and any infusion of young players to compete help increase their odds of finding quality players.
Previous selection: Keith Williams, OG, Nebraska
Final Thoughts
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As the final mock draft, it was difficult to make the final call on prospects. Players such as Greg Romeus and Noel Devine just missed being selected. I also really like Henry Hynoski but do not believe that the Steelers would select them. If he falls to the third round, also keep an eye out for Luke Stocker. Pittsburgh could upgrade their backup tight end position.
Regarding the first round, I nearly selected Ras-I Dowling at pick 31 with the intention of drafting a tackle in the second. However, the tackle that I had targeted, James Carpenter, was unlikely to fall that far.
The dream draft scenario would be for Mike Pouncey to fall to the Steelers or for them to trade up to approximately 25 or so and select him.
If players such as Sherrod, Dowling, Heyward and Taylor (assuming he is healthy) are all gone, I would attempt to trade down.
Unlike most mocks, I do not view Aaron Williams as a first round selection.
How do you feel about these selections? Did I make a mistake not selecting a cornerback in round one? Which selections would you change? Did this draft address all of the Steelers’ needs? Please let me know your thoughts.
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