2011 Steelers Mock Draft 2.0

It has been about a month since I released my 2011 Steelers Mock Draft 1.0 and it is now time for version 2 of the mock draft after some of the pro days have been completed and I have had more time to look at the draft hopefuls more in depth. A few of the names have changed, while my overall number one pick of Derek Sherrod has not. Also a carry over from my first mock is Notre Dame nose tackle Ian Williams and Richmond cornerback Justin Rogers. Onward we go. I will likely do a few more of these as more of the pre-draft visits take place.

Round 1: T Derek Sherrod (Mississippi State) – Depending on what ranking list you look at, Sherrod still ranks as either the 4th or 5th best tackle in this years draft class of tackles. It remains very likely he will still be on the board should the Steelers stay put at the #31 slot and I think the need out weighs the best player available this year in round 1. I have had him as the Steelers first round selection since the 2010 season ended and have watched quite a bit of film on him since then. I think he fits what the Steelers look for in a tackle and he remains my number one pick in this 2nd mock draft. I could see the Steelers drafting a corner here, but feel the cornerback talent in this years draft is much deeper than the tackle class and the Steelers will opt to go tackle here.

Round 2: CB Curtis Brown (Texas) – Aaron Williams is the most talked about Texas cornerback in the draft , but Brown might better fit what the Steelers need for their system. There are also questions of whether or not Williams best fits as a safety or not at the next level. Brown has the size and speed for an outside position and has great leaping ability. As a converted wide receiver he has decent hands and is regarded as a pretty good tackler. Brown played special teams while at Texas and that will help him contribute early as a rookie. It is debatable if he last until the Steelers 2nd round slot, but I would not rule out the Steelers moving up a few spots to grab him either.

Round 3: TE Lance Kendricks (Wisconsin) – The Steelers need to upgrade their number 2 tight end position and Kendricks skill set best fits what the Steelers look for in a tight end/h-back. He is a much bigger threat in the passing game than Matt Spaeth or David Johnson in my opinion, but will need to work some on his in-line blocking as he lacks the prototypical size that say Spaeth or starter Heath Miller bring to the table.

Round 4: NT Ian Williams (Notre Dame) – I still like the prospects of Wiliams as a good eventual heir apparent to Casey Hampton at nose tackle. If drafted, he will be asked to sit and learn behind Hampton and perhaps even Chris Hoke if he is re-signed. I think the Steelers will once again have the luxury to carry three big body inside guys should Hoke return as Hoke also has shown his versatility to fill in a few snaps on the end when needed. It still could be questioned and debatable whether or not the Steelers need to draft their future nose tackle in this draft or wait until next year, but I like his value here just the same.

Round 5: ILB Nate Irving (North Carolina State) – Feast or famine pick as he appears to have all the tools to be an inside linebacker at the next level. High motor guy with great instincts and good vision. Did not work out at the combine.

Round 6: CB Justin Rogers (Richmond) – I still like Rogers in this spot as the 2nd corner the Steelers could draft on draft day. He could be a future nickel back at the next level with his keen awareness in zone coverages. Gets good position on receivers and shows willingness to tackle in run support. Was also a kick returner at Richmond so he has that versatility the Steelers covet as well.

Round 7: G Andrew Jackson (Fresno State) – Could be a late round round steal as far as interior linemen go, but will need quite a bit of coaching and will also need to bulk up and had some strength. Scouts say his footwork and down field blocking must improve as well. Offensive line coach Sean Kugler could be just what this young guard needs.