This is generated with the help of WalterFootball's draft rankings. He is probably one of the more accurate and strategic mock-drafters. This is early, but I will give it another shot.
Round 1 : Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
As much as I want to mock Barkevious Mingo here, I do not think he will slip past the Jets at 9. I believe Dion falls due to Jarvis Jones being medically cleared today, thus all but solidifying his top 10 status. Jordan would obviously translate to an OLB in our system which is a much needed position for the foreseeable future. Jordan's height (6'6") could potentially be an issue, but there is no one questioning his talent. After some grooming in our system, this could be a great pick.
Other Options: Kenny Vaccarro, Keenan Allen, Kevin Minter, Johnathon Hankins, Chance Warmack
Round 2: Robert Woods, WR, USC
Ok. This is probably my toughest decision to draft from. Here, you would like to think a good safety like Eric Reid, running back like Giovanni Bernard or Eddie Lacy, or pass rusher like Sam Montgomery would be here. For the sake of taking a pass rusher first, want to take a look at a play maker like Woods. I believe Woods was a product of his environment at USC this season. The team seemed to crumble on both sides of the ball. With that said, Woods was regarded as a top 5 pick preseason and should be good value in the 2nd. We do not really need to get into Wallace and Burress potentially leaving. We need another play maker at receiver if we lose a few.
Other Options: Eddie Lacy, Eric Reid, Zach Ertz, Justin Hunter, Sam Montgomery, Barrett Jones
Round 3 T.J. McDonald, S, USC
I know, another USC product. McDonald accounted for over 110 tackles and a few splash plays in the Trojan's defense last year. He had a good Senior Bowl and should post good combine numbers if he attends. At good value in the 3rd, his raw talent can be molded into something special in LeBeau's defense. This is obviously a position of future need as well with Ryan Clark and Polamalu's age and contract uncertainty.
Other Options: Ryan Swope, Kenny Stills, Stephan Taylor, Corey Lemonier, Alvin Bailey
Round 4: Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida
Gillislee would be a great additon to the team. I wanted to mock Monte Ball here, but I think he could be overworked and a plodder. Gillislee was a strong piece of Florida's offense this past season and has great size and speed for NFL. He might not be here at round 4. For those screaming about a RB as early as round 2, see the recent history of running backs in the draft. They are a dime a dozen in the early rounds, and great value can be had in the later rounds (see Alfred Morris).
Other Options: Kenny Stills, Jordan Poyer, Joe Kruger, Jamie Collins, Andre Ellington, Darius Slay
Round 5: Robert Lester, S, Alabama
I think Lester falls, but I still like him (most do not). He had a great 2010 season where he was second in the NCAA in interceptions. He can play the deep ball and has good ball skills, but needs to be polished. Having Jefferson and Lester in our secondary makes me more comfortable at the safety position; Mundy isn't very good. The Steelers have a rich history in double-dipping at a position and for the position of safety this is a good year to do so.
Other Options: Shawn Williams, Travis Kelce, Kenjon Barner, Denard Robinson, Brian Winters
Round 6: Philip Lutzenkirchen, TE, Auburn
Sleeper prospect here. During Cam's run, he was an instrumental part of the offense. He has been fair in his play at Auburn, but hasn't reached his full potential mainly due to QB play (outside of Newton) and system circumstances; Auburn used tight ends mainly in blocking. Lutz is a phenomenal athlete and played hurt most of this year. He has real potential to break out and be a solid TE option for Big Ben.
Other Options: Zac Dysert, Alex Carder, Brandon Williams, Damien Square, Tom Wort
Round 7: Chad Bumphis, WR, Mississippi State
Bumphis was a playmaker for the Bulldogs this season. He is a pure value pick here in the 7th. Steelers will lose Wallace and Burress, while Cotchery isn't guaranteed in the future, nor is Sanders. That leaves us with Brown and we need more depth. Value pick here, and another double-dip.
Other Options: Alex Hurst, Trey Wilson, Dustin Hopkins, Quinn Sharp, Kyler Reed
Not factoring William Gay Comp. pick in here this time. Lots of SEC Talent in this draft and I look for Steelers to capitalize on it.
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