Steelers Very Active Mock

It's been a while since I last posted. It has been too long. I have tried ideas for mocks, but can't fulfill them because I myself cannot sell the idea to myself. However, this one I sold myself on......meaning it will never actually happen. Despite that, I think that the Steelers will be very active on draft day, and find some real steals on the latter days of the draft. Here is my new and latest mock:

Steelers trade down from 1.18 with the Packers to acquire 1.23 and 3.70. The Steelers also then trade down with the Eagles using 2.52 and 4.116 for picks 3.70 and 3.87. Steelers have two 5th round compensations picks and one in the 7th round.

1.23- OC Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
Pouncey falls here because centers simply do not go in the first 20 picks. And, rumor has it that the Steelers love Pouncey. I can see why: he is 6'5", 310lbs, and has played against the elite competition of the SEC the past three years. He started at guard his freshmen year and center these past two. He could do the same for the Steelers. Essex needs to be replaced at RG, and when Hartwig's contract comes to a close he can slide over to center. He will anchor this line well into the next decade.

3.70- OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
Facts remain that Willie Colon has still not signed his RFA tender. Veldheer has all the makings of a great OT: he is big at 6'8" 320lbs, is very athletic, is an exceptional pass protector, and plays with great leverage for a man of his size. He needs a little bit of work in the run blocking department, but he has intangibles you ask for in a bookend OT.

3.82- ILB Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State
I am hoping that some owner named Al Davis doesn't draft this guy. Chaney can fall to this pick. Chaney will be the perfect complement to Timmons down the road. He is strong against the run, is very good in coverage, is very fast for an ILB, and can really lay the wood. Chaney is also a strong tackler and can take on blocks, unlike Timmons.

3.86- CB/FS Awkasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana of Pennsylvania
Awkasi is simply one of the most talented DBs in this draft class. Scouts have been baffled how this kid did not get recruited to play at a bigger program. Owusu-Ansah has elite speed, great hands, plays big and physical, and has phenomenal closing speed. If I had to compare him to a NFL safety, it would be Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens. If I had to compare him to a NFL corner, it would be Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers. While level of competition is a huge issue, I still think he can make the transition. He also happens to be a sensational return man. When he fields the ball, he gets up to top speed very quickly. He also has insane balance....he takes a hit and just seems to bounce off would be tacklers and defenders. Owusu-Ansah will be a draft day steal.

3.87- DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas StateCarrington is everything I covet in a 34 DE. He is strong and stout at the point of attack. He is an elite run stuffer. He has excellent lower body strength. He has an imposing 6'5" 285lbs frame that has room to grow without losing his speed, agility, or quickness. He is also an accomplished pass rusher. Put that all together, and I think you get a cornerstone 34 DE. His value should put him here at this pick. If not, we need to trade up for him......because he will be one of the best DL in this draft. Once again, level of competition isan issue, but like Owusu-Ansah, he will be one of the biggest steals of this draft class.


5.151- CB Walter Thurmond, Oregon
I seem to remember not to long ago the Steelers drafting an Oregon Duck who's senior season was cut short due to injury....that player is Dennis Dixon, who looks to have rounded the curve and step up as a reliable backup for Big Ben. Thurmond is a player who has been banged up the past two seasons.....however, that doesn't mean the kid is talented. Thurmond possesses good size at 6' 190lbs. In addition, he has good timed and closing speed, has excellent hands, and has been a beast in coverage.

5.164- RB Charles Scott, LSU
Scott's senior campaign ended with injury. It's too bad, because during preseason hype he was supposed to be a force this year. Scott is a downhill runner, which the Steelers have lacked since Jerome Bettis retired after the 2006 Superbowl win. He can become the big back that the Steelers have needed in goal line and short yardage situations. Scott may not have the speed to outrun the defense, but he has the power and strength to go right through them. He will be an excellent complementary back for Mendenhall and the Steelers.

5.166- DE Clifton Geathers, South Carolina
He is big and athletic, and shows some promise as a 34DE. He is a decent pass rusher and is solid against the run. He also has rare size at 6'8" 299lbs, who can run the 40 at a low 4.9. He could develop into something special down the road. Hell, he even has room to bulk up.

6.188- OLB Adrian Tracy, William & Mary

Tracy will be called upon the by the Steelers. Not only is he very talented, he comes from Tomlin's alma mater. Tracy has been extremely productive, recording over 30 sacks in 47 games during his career. Level of competition is always a concern with small school players, but Tracy fits the mold of a Steelers OLB.


7.225- 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. The Steelers scouts at the Texas vs. The Nation practices have also raved about his great quickness and speed, calling him the next James Harrison.

7.242- WR/QB Joe Webb, Alabama-Birmingham
Webb reportedly looked excellent in WR drills at his pro day. It was also noted that the Steelers spent a considerable amount of time with Webb during and after practice. Seems like a good pick this late.

UDFA:
ILB Jason Cutrera, LSU
CB R.J. Stanford, Utah
WR/CB Ray Fischer, Indiana
WR/QB Ermanti Edwards, Appalachian State
NT Callahan Bright, Shaw
OT Tyler Eastman, Maine
RB Curtis Steele, Memphis
TE Steve Maneri, Temple
PK Tobe Nwigwe, North Texas
C Kevin Matthews, Texas A&M