Mock of the Day

Resign Hampton, Clark, Reed, Eason, Townsend. RFA Colon, Gay, Spaeth, Sepulveda.

Steelers select 18th, receive compensation picks for McFadden(4th), Washington(5th), and Leftwich(6th).

1. OT Byran Bulaga, Iowa
He can be the dominating presence that the Steelers lack on the OL. He will replace Colon by 2011(if not sooner), and can replace Starks when he is ready to call it quits. He is an excellent run blocker and pass protector, and plays with excellent leverage.

2. CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
Jackson is a complete CB. He can run with the best, is very good in coverage, and has excellent hands. He is a more than willing tackler as well. Jackson can come in and challenge for a starting position.


3. S Reshad Jones, Georgia
Jones can play either safety spot, something that brings a lot of value to the Steelers....who have two terrible backups. He is good in coverage, has good hands, and has the speed to keep up with the better receivers in the NFL. Jones also is very good against the run and a solid tackler.

4. ILB Micah Johnson, Kentucky
 Johnson is good at a lot of things: good tackler, good in space, good rushing the passer. He is stout against the run and can take on OL. Can shed blockers well too. His pass coverage is very underrated. In short, he can be a starter down the road and replace Farrior.

4c. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Carrington had a drop off in production this past year, but he is still a prospect that should draw considerable interest. When you can run a 4.78 at 280lbs, you are going to get noticed. Carrington is very stout against the run and can rush the passer. Carrington reminds me a lot of Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel build-wise....and then they became stellar 34 ends...

5. TE Colin Peek, Alabamar
 Peek is one of my favorite TEs in this draft. He is a dual threat: he is a good blocker and a solid receiving option.....something that Matt Spaeth doesn't offer. Peek could go higher, but I expect him to be here.

5c. RB Chris Brown, Oklahoma
 With Parker gone, a RB will be drafted. Brown is a good option here. He runs hard and has excellent hands.

6. OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
 An athletic freak of nature. His coaches rave how much of a complete player he has become: he terrorizes the QB, he is stout against the run, and he can drop into coverage. Sounds like our late round developmental OLB project to me.

6c. OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
 Another small school player who should start shooting up draft boards. Veldheer is extremely athletic, and is now training with former All Pro Brad Hopkins. Hopkins raves about his athleticism, and how athletic he is. Hillsdale did not have a strength and conditioning program, and Hopkins thinks he could easily add 15lbs of muscle and not lose any quickness.

7. OLB Adrian Tracy, William & Mary
Another developmental OLB. Already has the size, and he has been a solid player for Tomlin's alma mater.