Final Mock-Draft before the Actual

I started to do some research and decided to do one more Mock with some alternative possibilities.  Here we go.

Round 1: Nate Solder  OT Colorado

I am going to have to go with BTSC with this one; I think Solder will fall.   He is a great athletic prospect but a little raw in his technique.  He has a major upside and could be a premier tackle in this league; something we need badly.  I know we haven't met with him and probably won't but I think he has the athleticism and footwork we need to protect Ben and his scrambling.  The guy is over 300 pounds and ran a 4.97 40.. that is unreal.  I would absolutely love this pick.

Other Options: Derek Sherrod LT Mississippi State, Brandon Harris CB Miami, Aaron Williams CB Texas

Round 2: Curtis Brown  CB Texas

This pick really excites me and apparently the Steelers as well.  Curtis Brown was exceptional at Texas, especially with the great depth at DB they have had the past 2 seasons.  He has great speed and ball skills, and really isn't scared to tackle.  He isn't the first round grade, but I believe he would be a low first round pick in a regular CB class.  Great value and CB is a great need. 

Other Options: Marcus Cannon G TCU, Orlando Franklin G Miami, Brandon Burton CB Utah

Round 3: Kendrick Ellis NT Hampton


Casey Hampton's days are drawing to an end, though sad to say.  Ellis is too much of a prospect to pass up; and we have already met with him.  I like him over Sione Fua due to his size, strength, and suprising athleticism.  His work ethic is sometime in question, but with a guy that is 340 lbs, it is hard to go forever.  He would occupy multiple blockers and he has a great upside. 

Other Options: Davon House CB NM State, Sione Fua NT Stanford, Marcus Gilbert RT Florida

Round 4: John Moffitt G/C Wisconsin

The Steelers love versatility and Moffitt exhibits that with the ability to move over and place Center and possibly even Tackle.  He is a tough, gritty, Steelers type player with brute strength.  He is an All-Big-Ten First Team player and has the ability to start sooner rather than later.  I know we whiffed on a previous Wisconsin guard (Urbik), but I believe the Steelers try again and succeed. 

Other Options: Casey Matthews ILB Oregon, Deunta Williams FS NCU, Lawrence Guy DE Arizona State

Round 5: Jalil Brown CB Colorado

I think Jalil will pan out in the NFL better than his partner Jimmy Smith.  He has great size at 6-1 205 and ran a 4.46 at his combine.  He can be groomed to play CB or FS in the NFL, both positions of need for the Black and Gold. Great value here. 

Other Options: DeAndre Brown WR Southern Miss, Mark Herzlich LB BC, Ian Williams NT Notre Dame

Round 6: Alex Henery K/P Nebraska

We need a kicker, badly.  Henery is the best kicker and I am on the bandwagon.  He needs to put on weight, but he has a monster leg and has the ability to punt.  This is good since Sepulveda is like a paper doll as of late. 

Other Options: Anthony Gray NT Southern Miss, Derek Locke RB Kentucky, Lee Ziemba OL Auburn

Round 7: Owen Marecic LB/FB Stanford

I don't have to explain this high character guy.  A tough-nosed, dedicated player who played his college career in two positions.  Scored touchdowns on both sides of the ball and did it at a high level.  This would be a miracle and next to impossible to drop this far, but what a great pick this would be.  Depth at LB, ST, and the ability to play FB.  Not that our offense likes full-backs anyway. 

Other Options: Scott Tolzien QB Wisconsin, Tori Gurley WR South Carolina, Josh Bynes ILB Auburn