2) Sports Illustrated's Don Banks- D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
The Steelers could address the interior of their offensive line with Cal center-guard Alex Mack, but they've got a need at cornerback with the loss of Bryant McFadden to Arizona in free agency. Moore would be just the third defensive back taken in the first round, and some mocks have just one cornerback and no safeties going in the opening round. I can't remember the last time defensive backs were that sparsely represented in round one...
Previous pick from SI's Don Banks- D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
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3) NBC Sports- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Coach Mike Tomlin loves physical defensive backs and Davis hits like a safety. While his play was up and down as a junior, Davis could develop for a year and challenge to start in his second season.
Previous pick from NBC Sports- Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
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4) War Room Report's Rob Tribett- William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
Connecticut’s William Beatty would be a great addition, as he is a terrific run blocker who projects as a future NFL left tackle and is a good fit in the Steelers scheme. Selecting Beatty would allow the Steelers to move Max Starks to his more natural right tackle position and kick Willie Colon inside to replace Darnell Stapleton.
Previous pick from WRR's Rob Tribett- Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
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5) War Room Report's Michael MacCoy- Jarron Gilbert DE/DT, San Jose State
The Steelers have always been the most effective when their front three on their defensive front are playing effectively. Jarron Gilbert, infamous from his Youtube pool jump antics, has been climbing up draft boards due to his freakish athleticism for a player his size. He would make an ideal 3-4 defensive end so expect him to get strong consideration from the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 32nd overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft.
This mock draft also has Duke Robinson falling all the way to us at pick 64. (No Previous Pick)
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6) Draft Tek- D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
Previous pick from Draft Tek-Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
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7) Sports Agents Blog- Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
I like OT William Beatty to develop into something special, but he just doesn’t fit the kind of player Pittsburgh covets on the line. Britton doesn’t have a finesse bone in his body and brings nice versatility where it is needed most. This pick fills a huge need and has decent value as well.
Previous pick from Sports Agents Blog- Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
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8) NFL Draft Source- Jarron Gilbert DE/DT, San Jose State
The Steelers might have the fewest needs of any NFL team, but could still use some players at OL, CB, and DL. Ends in a 3-4 defense are tough to find, but Gilbert fits that mold.
Previous pick from NFL Draft Source- Max Unger, OL, Oregon
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9) Football's Future- Alex Mack, C, Cal
Mack brings the toughness needed in Pittsburgh, and would be a great fit on their interior line. Corner could be a pick here as well with Bryant McFadden departing for Arizona.
Previous pick from Football's Future- Alex Mack, C, Cal
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10) Mock Draft Guru's- Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
With the franchise tag on Starks, guard will be looked at and Robinson is the best of the bunch. He will help replace Kendall Simmons, who was cut in the offseason. He's got size, he is a mauler inside and would bring protection to Roethlisberger and holes to run through for Parker.
Previous pick from Mock Draft Guru's- Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
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11) Mocking the Draft- Alex Mack, C, Cal
The Steelers need help on the interior of their offensive line and Mack is a perfect fit. He's a rugged in-line blocker who can hold up against the large AFC North defensive tackles. Plug him in 12 years and watch him become a star.
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12) Battle Red Blog- Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
Butler helped himself immensely by running a 4.38 at his Pro Day and looking fluid during positional drills. The Steelers could choose someone like Max Unger here, but offensive line was supposed to be their Achilles heel last year and they held up ok.
The first version of the 2009 Mock Drafts BTSC posted was littered with explanations as to why the Steelers would be going for offensive line help in Round 1, with only one CB and one D-Line player mentioned. This time around the picks are a mix of Offensive Line, Corner Back , and Defensive Line. It's good to see more players mentioned if for nothing else to raise awareness of the players and spark a good debate.
Mock drafts are always fun but when one mock has the Steelers taking Duke Robinson with their first round pick and another has them taking him with the second round pick it is a good reminder that the NFL draft is about as hard to predict as the Power Ball.