First Offseason Mock

Steelers resign Casey Hampton, Ryan Clark, Jeff Reed, Deshea Townsned, and Nick Eason. Steelers RFA Willie Colon, William Gay, Daniel Sepulveda, Darnell Stapleton, and Matt Spaeth.

Steelers one 4th, 5th and 7th round compensation picks for last year's free agent losses.

Steelers pick 18th, but trade down with Green Bay and pick up picks 23 and 87. The Steelers also then trade down with their 2nd round pick for Dallas's 2nd(57) and 4th(126).

1(23)OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan
While OLB is not the biggest need for the Steelers......OLB depth sucks. There is none worth mentioning. Graham is the second coming of Lamarr Woodley. He is super strong, and excellent pass rusher, super stout against the run, and can even drop into coverage(though that is not his forte). Graham would finally solve some issues: he would come in and be a good special teams player, he could sub in for a gassed Woodley or Harrison, and depth would finally be established at a position that the 34 defense relies on to be the playmakers.

2(57)CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
Jackson is unlike most CBs: he is super strong and physical. Jackson is also fast, is very good in coverage, and has good hands. He also possesses very good closing speed and excellent feet when changing directions. Can come out of his backpedal to high at times, but that is minor concern that can easily be corrected. Jackson started at CB as true freshmen in the SEC. Enough said.

3(82) NT Cam Thomas, North Carolina
Thomas is rare specimen. He has a wide and massive frame at 6'4" 331lbs. He has a good bull rush and rip move, can collapse the pocket, and looks like he could be replacement for Hampton in the near future. Thomas is also surprisingly fit and athletic......he could be a 3 down NT, which is hard to find.

3. FS Major Wright, Florida
I have been a Major Wright fan for years. He was one of the first players that screamed Steelers to me when I saw him play two years ago in the BCS National Championship Game versus Oklahoma. Wright has elite timed and closing speed, has great hands, is very good in coverage, and is plays bigger and meaner than his 5'11" 205lb frame would suggest. He can really lay the knock out shot, just like current Steelers FS Ryan Clark. Both play with reckless abandon, except Wright can actually make plays on the ball.

4. OT Rodger Saffold, Indiana
I have had the privilege of seeing Saffold perform in person for the past year. Saffold was the best linemen on a young OL for the Hoosiers. Saffold is very good is pass protection. He does an excellent job of using good technique to mirror his opponents moves. He also finishes his blocks in the run game. Saffold could fill out his frame a little more, but he should be a solid starting OT in the NFL. Saffold impressed at the East/West Shrine game, so his stock has risen tremendously from being a sleeper pick up into the mid round range.

4. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Carrington has all the tools to be a dominant 34 DE. He has excellent lower body strength, active hands and good technique, and is even a good pass rusher. He is has made his living the past two years in the opponents backfields, recording 19 sacks and over 20 tackles for losses. Carrington reminds me a lot of Aaron Smith when he first came here: a little undersized in a frame that could stand to gain 15lbs and be great. I think Carrington could play at around 310 and not lose a single step, but maybe that is just me being hopeful.

5. TE Colin Peek, Alabama
It still continues to amaze me that the media and talking heads refuse to acknowledge Colin Peek. He is major reason that the Crimson Tide's running game was so effective in the BCS National Championship. Peek is an excellent blocker......one of the few excellent blockers that can actually be a dual threat at the next level. Peek has strong and sure hands, and runs very crisp routes. Peek could even push Heath Miller down the road. The Steelers have a chance to bring home a true cornerstone TE if they value Peek's abilities....especially for the TE eccentric Bruce Arians.

5c. SS Myron Rolle, Florida State
Rolle is a mystery to a lot of people. Some people won't understand why Rolle chose to become a Rhodes scholar and miss his senior season of football. While Rolle had a solid week at the Senior Bowl, he showed some rust and the Combine will make or break his stock. His 40 time is the only real question about his game. Rolle is a very physical safety who isn't afraid of anyone. He is very strong against the run, is good in coverage, and can really lay a beating the opponents skilled players. Also has above decent hands.

5c. RB Keith Totson, Oklahoma State
Keith Toston finished with 1,218 yards and 12 touchdowns on a 5.4 average. He also had 25 receptions. Oklahoma State's offense seemed to perform better when he was in the game (as opposed to Kendall Hunter). Totson is a very hard runner, who also happens to be an excellent receiving threat as well. He will be the perfect complement to Reshard Mendenhall.

6.ILB Reggie Carter, UCLA
Carter is solid against the run, very good in coverage, and good tackler in open space. Carter has solid potential, and getting him here could be a steal.

7. ILB Phillip Dilliard, Nebraska
Dilliard really impressed me at the Big 12 Championship Game versus Texas. Dilliard made plays all over the field, impressed against the run, and showed he could hold his own coverage too. He is also a very good tackler.

7c. WR Kelton Tindal, Newberry
Big play receiver with blazing speed had 116 receptions for 1898 yards and 16 touchdown reception during his career.  In case you missed the Texas vs. The Naton game Tindal blew by coverage to make a spectacular 67 yard reception.  Tindal's primary competition for a roster spot would be speedster Jason Chery who was added to the Steelers offseason roster. Rumored to run a 4.2 flat, if not lower.