Here's a spin around the web to see who various draft gurus think the Steelers will select in the first round of April's draft. Feel free to add the mock of a site that you visit regularly if they have a different opinion.
New Era Scouting
Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh
The loss of guard Alan Faneca is clearly going to take a toll, but the Steelers are in a great position to improve their offensive line with this pick. Getting Otah, the third rated offensive tackle, this late in the first round is the definition of value.
Last Week's Pick (3/3): Mike Jenkins-CB-South Florida
NFL Draft Countdown
Branden Albert OG Virginia
The Steelers have always been able to hang their hat on a dominant offensive line but they could be preparing to undergo a significant changing of the guard up front. Free agent All-Pro guard Alan Faneca is gone while their left tackle Marvel Smith has battled some injuries in recent years and has just one more year left on his contract so Pittsburgh will probably be in the market for the best offensive lineman available here. Branden Albert, who came out after his junior season, is a guy the casual fan might not know a lot about but he has the ability to play either guard or tackle and should fit somewhere in the late 1st or early 2nd round when Draft Day rolls around.
NFL Draft Scout (Rob Rang)
Branden Albert OG Virginia
The one guard worthy of top 50 consideration, Albert is a rare combination of size, strength and agility. For a team looking to the draft for potential replacements for guard Alan Faneca and Max Starks, Albert makes perfect sense.
NFL Draft Scout (Chad Reuter)
Branden Albert OG Virginia
Huge but nimble guard prospect that could replace the likely-departing Alan Faneca. He's a bit raw with his technique, sometimes relying on his reach instead of his feet but his showing of athleticism fit him squarely in the first round. Corner is a concern for them as well, so they'll be watching for DRC to fall.
NFL.com (Vic Carucci)
Branden Albert OG Virginia
Not a whole lot to analyze here. Alan Faneca is gone, so the Steelers replace him with another player who fits their big, physical prototype for an offensive lineman.
Pro Football Weekly
Branden Albert OG Virginia
Versatility was a big theme of the Steelers' upon Mike Tomlin's arrival, and Albert's ability to play guard or tackle, with Alan Faneca possibly departing and the edges not being secured last season, will be attractive.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.($)
Branden Albert
Umm ok, I wish there was some insightful thing I could say here but all I can think is, "I guess I can sleep through the first round." I can't remember when I saw such a consensus pick for the Steelers, especially picking so late in the first round. All I can think is maybe they're throwing up the biggest smoke screen ever and they'll surprise us all but I think it's painfully obvious where the biggest weakness on this team is. Is there any dark horse candidate that anyone is hoping falls or the Steelers take instead? Has anyone seen Albert play first hand this year?
