End of the Week Mock

I think once the Steelers get to pick 18, I think all the great players will be gone. All the elite OTs will be gone, and I see this is the year to get more value in an extremely deep draft.

I see the Steelers resigning Casey Hampton, Ryan Clark, Jeff Reed, and Nick Eason. I also see them tendering Willie Colon, William Gay, Daniel Sepulveda, and Matt Spaeth.

The Steelers should also receive two 5th round compensation picks, as well as a 7th according to compensation expert AdamTJ13. Check out his blog at: http://adamjt13.blogspot.com/

The Steelers select 18th, but trade down with Dallas at 27 and also receive their 3rd round pick(91).

1. G Mike Iupati, Idaho
A few of you must think I am crazy to slot him here of all places. I disagree. While the massive Idaho product showed that he is a run blocking beast, he needs to improve in pass protection. The league has developed into a passing league. If you cannot protect your QB, your stock will fall. Iupati showed some struggles in the one-on-one drills and allowed defenders to get into his frame at the Senior Bowl, and that pushes him down this far.

2. S Chad Jones, LSU
Another guy who could go sooner just happens to fall. Jones is an imposing safety with great size and athleticism. He has good hands, is strong against the run, and good in coverage.  Also has excellent closing speed, and can really lay the wood when the opportunity presents itself.

3. NT Cam Thomas, North Carolina
While Thomas had an inconsistent season, he really improved his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. His massive and wide frame make him very hard to move in the middle. He commands double teams, is super strong against the run, and can even rush and collapse the pocket. Incredible bull rush and rip moves.

3. OLB Austen Lane, Murray State
While he is small school product, he showed he could play with the big boys at the Senior Bowl. Lane has amazing size and athleticism. His speed is insane for someone of his size. He should be a hell of special teamer while being a decent depth option and situational pass rusher.

4. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Carrington looked good this past week at the Senior Bowl and showed that he could be a 34 DE. He has good, lower body strength and showed the ability to shed blocks and make plays across the line and in pursuit. He lives making plays in opponents backfields, and he is an accomplished pass rusher.

5. CB Walther Thurmond, Oregon
Thurmond only played in 4 games all year long. However, playing injured last season he registered 66 tackles, five picks, and eight passes broken up. He is super talented. If he can ever get healthy, he could be one hell of a player.

5c. CB Chris Chancellor, Clemson
Chancellor has shown flashes of being a shutdown CB. He is super fast and has excellent closing speed, great hands, and is very good in coverage. Needs to visit the weight room to get some more strength so he can compete with the more physical WRs of the NFL.

5c. RB Joique Bell, Wayne State
Bell rushed for over 2,000 yards last season. Wow. He good size at 5'11" 223lbs, and can run a mid 4.5. He showed last week that he can play with the big boys, and I think he could be a very good goal line back and solid backup to Mendenhall.

6. WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut
You know this guy is going to work hard - he was a walk-on and had just five receptions entering the year. As a senior, he logged 48 catches for 893 yards and eight touchdowns. This sounds like the classic Steelers type of player.

7. WR/RB/RS Trindon Holliday, LSU
Holliday would have been the Dexter McCluster of LSU if LSU actually had a QB. He is super fast and seems impossible to catch. World class speedster, he should provide a huge offensive spark. This guy should replace Stefan Logan.

7c. ILB Josh Hull, Penn State
Hull is an underrated linebacker from an excellent program. He is a solid tackler, takes good angles, and has excellent strength. He also possesses good speed. He could surprise a lot of people and be one heck of a ILB for the Steelers.