Below is my 2010 Steelers mock draft for the upcoming NFL draft on April 23rd, 24th & 25th. Unless anything major happens in the next few days like trades, suspensions or earthquakes, I will be sticking with this mock draft as my official mock. Please feel free to comment below on why they will or will not draft the players below. Do not get pissy or upset. Do not let me know that guys will go earlier or later. I read everything, all the major media mocks as well as smaller ones. Yes, I know, I get it that you are a self proclaimed internet guru. This is where I see these guys going. Notice the “I”, it is not a “You”! Get it?
On the flip side I hit 2 picks last year in Mike Wallace and Ra\’Shon Harris. I like my odds at hitting at least 2 picks again this year. Anything I hit more then 2 and I will be ecstatic. Bitch if you want to as it is your dime, but I have nasty rebuttals ready as well.
Round 1 – C Maurkice Pouncey – Florida – Overall best center in the draft and can play guard if need arises. Groomed to take over center position. Seems like the surest of 1st rounders.
Round 2 – CB Kareem Jackson – Alabama – Could indeed slide or Steelers could go up to get him. Could be the best corner in the draft. Knows how to win and played under Nick Saban, who knows how to get kids ready for the NFL.
Round 3 – RB Toby Gerhart – Stanford – Yes, I drank the Kool-aid. You know you could see this guy in the Black & Gold. Could change his name to Steely McBeam. In all seriousness, he fits in every facet of what the Steelers do and is a high character guy.
Round 4 – T Selvish Capers – West Virginia – Could be the future at right tackle. Better run blocker than pass blocker. Very coach-able player who played at West Virginia.
Round 5 – WR Joe Webb – Alabama Birmingham – A pure athlete. The Steelers like drafting quarterbacks-turned-receivers. See Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El as past examples. A great 5th round project that could make team as 5th receiver.
Round 5 – SS Larry Asante – Nebraska – Has speed and will hit. Could be groomed for future strong safety and future insurance for Troy Polamalu. Needs help in coverage skills, but fits a Dick LeBeau mold at strong safety and run supporter.
Round 5 – NT Jeff Owens – Georgia – Wide body nose tackle that could surprise and be the future behind Casey Hampton. Project player that needs coaching at the next level.
Round 5 – RB LeGarrette Blount – Oregon – Not the character you want, but has a chip on his shoulder and can power run. Short fuse and risky pick for sure. Steelers need running back depth.
Round 6 – ILB Pat Angerer – Iowa – Inside MIKE backer from Iowa that can hit, has speed and can cover. A true three-down player that is a bit undersized, but not in heart. Another kid that just looks right in Black & Gold.
Round 7 – OLB/DE Adrian Tracy – William & Mary – A classic tweener that could be a gem in the 3-4 defense. He is smart, instinctive, competes well versus the run and the pass. Also has good lateral pursuit.
Round 7 – QB Jevan Snead – Mississippi – Quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner attended his pro day. He is what he is, but Tom Brady was a 5th round pick. We all know the Ben situation. This is merely a gut selection by me. Taking a flier last round does not hurt.
EDITED: 4/20/10- Removed the Snead pick now that a 7th round pick has been traded to Tampa for Byron Leftwich.
