Let's add this to the list of "names we will not hear Commissioner Goodell call when the Steelers are on the clock."
One part of the reason the Steelers won't draft Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan is because the team has their tackles in place now, better or worse, and aren't likely to draft another with that high of a pick.
The other fairly significant reason is Lewan announced he will return to Michigan for his senior year.
Full disclosure, I don't make mock drafts, and this is exactly why. I can't say I know every team well enough to suggest their intentions over a 32 player draft consisting of 300+ prospects.
But SB Nation's Mocking the Draft managed to find a prospect who, right now, appears to have as slim a chance of being selected by the Steelers than nearly any other prospect on the board (quarterbacks being the main exception).
Writes Mocking the Draft's Matthew Fairburn:
17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Taylor Lewan, Offensive Tackle, Michigan
The Steelers' offensive line once again struggled this season, due more to injuries than anything else. Mike Adams performed well at times, but will probably be a right tackle throughout his career. Michigan's Taylor Lewan showed a lot of good things when matched up against Jadeveon Clowney in the Capital One Bowl. He would be a huge upgrade on the left side.
While the Steelers can't claim they have Ogden and Munoz under contract right now, the fact the team has drafted offensive tackles in the second round of each of the last two drafts strongly suggests they aren't going to bump up the mandate of bolstering the position with yet another high pick.
Considering the same front office drafted Marcus Gilbert in 2011 and Mike Adams in 2012, it's highly unlikely they've seen enough of either of them to suggest they made a massive mistake and need to start the rebuilding process over again by using the 17th overall pick on a tackle.
Teams typically only start two offensive tackles, and it's not a position that rotates its players.
The mock draft does give those of us hoping for a pass-rushing kind of player in the first round some hope. LSU's Barkevious Mingo lasted all the way until 15, where he was taken by New Orleans - a 4-3 defensive team.
15. New Orleans Saints - Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End, LSU
Barkevious Mingo exploded in the Chik-fil-A Bowl, looking like the player everyone expected to see all season. He has ridiculous length and so much explosion off the edge. Some may question whether or not he can play in a 4-3 defense, but the Saints need playmakers on defense. They will find a spot for Mingo.
Check out their mock draft and weigh in on who you feel the Steelers should take with the No. 17 pick.