I wanted to get some thoughts out there before the combine really kicks off, so I decided to put together a Steeler Mock. Then, I decided I'd put a second one together to prepare us in the event a team signs Mike Wallace away from us.

SCENARIO 1: NO TRADES

1.24. Dont'a Hightower ILB, Alabama

2.24. Alameda Ta'amu NT, Washington

3.24. Brandon Brooks G, Miami (OH)

4.24. Isiah Pead RB, Cincinnati

5.24. Philip Thomas S, Syracuse

6.24. Greg Zuerlein K, Missouri Western

7.24. Ethan Johnson DE, Notre Dame

This draft mostly overhauls the defense. Hightower and Ta'amu could theoretically start right away which would be unheard of for a Dick Lebeau defense. Thomas and Johnson would provide depth behind starters with Thomas having potential to develop into Ryan Clark's replacement in a few years. Brooks could also start right away, mostly because of a lack of other options, but he's a mauler in the run game at 6'5", 350lbs. Pead would be a great 3rd down RB (something Todd Haley loves) and Zuerlein would be an immediate upgrade over Suisham -- cheaper too.

SCENARIO 2: WALLACE GOES TO SAN FRANCISCO

Trade 1.24. and 2.24. to Dallas for 1.14.

1.14. David DeCastro G, Stanford

1.30. Dontari Poe NT, Memphis

3.24. Bobby Wagner ILB, Utah State

4.24. Dwight Jones WR, UNC

5.24. Andrew Datko OT, Florida State

6.24. Chris Rainey RB, Florida

7.24. Blair Walsh K, Georgia

The extra 1st round pick gives us the flexibility to package a few picks and move up for DeCastro who would immediately solidify the left side of our line. Poe would also start right away and finish the youth movement on the DL. Wagner is going to miss the combine because of pneumonia, which could keep him under the radar for most teams, which is exactly where we want him. He could be a stud ILB and would compete with Sylvester for playing time this year. Jones, Datko and Rainey will all be role players to start, but could develop into solid backups at the least. Walsh is also brought in to compete with Suisham.