Someone foolishly suggested that I might want to update my mock draft to reflect the changes that the Steeler's unprecedented activity in free agency have produced.  I will do that after the jump, but first, I have some exciting news - it turns out that there is actually a scientific basis for my insistence on taking the BLA.  A new study states "the better an American football player, the more attractive he is, concludes a team led by Justin Park at the University of Bristol, UK."  You can read more about it here.  I'll be the first to admit that there are certainly some exceptions.  It would presumably also depend upon whether one was comparing, say, left tackles to other left tackles, rather than a left tackle to any other position, when gauging attractiveness.  

I do think it is important to assess where the moves in free agency have taken us in terms of depth in the Player Hotness Index, as well as the footbally stuff, but really that would require an analysis of the entire team, and so I think that is best left for another post.  So without further ado, here is a five round mock draft:

Round 1:  Earl Thomas, CB

via vmedia.rivals.com

I have to say that we have not sufficiently addressed the secondary.  As much as I dislike agreeing with anyone who essentially spammed the board for a week, I do think we need to look at a cornerback.  I have looked many, many times at the available ones, and I am casting my vote for Thomas.  He has lots of footbally-type skills - he's strong, fast, and definitely the BLA at this position.  I think we would be well advised to pick him up.  I'm married, so I'm not going to touch the obvious follow-up to that remark...

Round 2:  Toby Gerhart, RB

via innercirclecorona.com

There are a number of reasons that I think that we have to consider drafting a running back fairly high.  First of all, the combination of the uncertainties about Ben's status and Art II's declaration that we will revisit the running game seems to make this an imperative.  Even if we re-sign FWP, I think we need more depth.  I hate to say goodbye to Memo, but I think his days in the Burgh are numbered.  Gerhart, as stated before, has a number of intangibles to offer, as well as the obvious tangibles.  He's moving up the boards, but he should still be there at #52.  He still has my unhesitating vote.

Round 3:  Zac Robinson, QB

via blog.newsok.com

We need an up-and-coming #3 as fire insurance, (as in if Ben gets burned by his latest escapade.) I hope that Charlie Batch will be moved into an assistant coaching position or some such - I want to see him in Pittsburgh, but I don't want to see us relying on his ability to not break something two throws into the game.  Yes, I think Tebow will be gone by #83, and yes, I would have taken him in the third round if he would have been there.  But I like the looks of this guy.  He impressed at the combine, and is said to have a lively arm and a good ability to look down the field and throw on the run.  I would like to see this guy and Heath competing at training camp for "best eyes."  I'll be there, and I'll be happy to be the judge if Coach Tomlin needs an expert opinion.

Round 4:  Dorin Dickerson, TE

via media.scout.com

A versatile player who has played almost every position at one time or another, Dickerson is said to be a tremendous athlete with great ball skills, and a disciplined route runner.  Admittedly this is sort of a homer pick, but I think he's worth a second look.  I like the way he cradles the ball.

And finally, Round 5:  Myron Rolle, S

via i.a.cnn.net

He's still my Hot Pick.  Luckily for us, his stock has been dropping, and we can safely wait until #153.  I look forward to welcoming this fine gentleman onto our team.