As a guy that's increasingly intrigued by the NFL Draft, I'm constantly checking various mocks. I've noticed a recent trend that has me worried that the Steelers will be in a real dilemma when it's their turn at 23. There's a general consensus that there are 5 'premiere' offensive linemen in the draft this year (Long, Clady, Otah, Williams and Albert - in no particular order) and most of us would probably be more than happy if any one of these guys was still on the board when we selected in the first round. The problem is they likely will not be available, which poses the question of what the Steelers are going to do if those guys are in fact gone as is likely? Should they reach for Gosder Cherilus (consensus 6th overall OL)? Reach for Balmer or just take the best available player? Let's take another look if others believe the 'Big 5' will indeed be off the board:
NFL Draft Scout - The 'top 5' are gone by the 18th pick with STL, BAL, CAR, CHI and HOU eac taking one of the guys. Their prediction?
Steelers take Mike Jenkins CB - USF
Pro Football Weekly - The 'top 5' are gone by the 19th pick with MIA, DEN, CHI, HOU and PHI each taking one of the guys. Their prediction?
Steelers select Gosder Cherilus OT - Boston College
NFL.com's Pat Kirwan - The 'top 5 are gone by the 18th pick with KC, NE, DEN, CHI and HOU eac taking one of the guys. Their prediction?
Steelers select Gosder Cherilus OT - Boston College
ESPN's Todd McShay - The top 5 are gone by the 19th pick with MIA, BAL, DEN, CHI and PHI eac taking on of the guys. His prediction?
Steelers select Gosder Cherilus OT - Boston College
As you can see I don't think there's any doubt that Branden Albert is skyrocketing up the draft charts (Pat Kirwan even had him in the top 10) and he was the most likely to be there just a couple of weeks ago. If they're all gone then there should be a top tier corner or one of the top ranked wide receivers. As of a few weeks ago this didn't even register on the radar of most draftniks. Now, a few weeks later, the cards have been shuffled completely, though that could just be a product of these sites and analysts wanting to continue drumming up debate on their respective sites.
Regardless, it's worth asking you guys: if the 'top 5' are gone, what would you do if you're the Steelers front office?