Fellas, feel free to tear it apart (just refrain from tearing me a new one). I thought I'd toss together a mock. I'm no expert, nor a very good amateur quite honestly, but I thought it'd be fun.

Concerning Steeler selections: I always am a bit shocked that certain guys that I had
pegged as earlier selections in previous drafts seemed to fall a half-round to
a round further than I anticipated. I took that into consideration a bit in
this mock. Also, this isn’t necessarily my ideal draft, but it’s one that I
could see the Steelers putting together between tonight and Sunday. In the
immortal words of Bart Scott, “Can’t Wait!”

Round 1 – Hightower,
LB, Alabama – All I’m gonna say is it makes sense and, personally, I’d be
thrilled with the selection. Questions surrounding his lateral movement and
coverage ability is warranted, however, Foote has served us well during his
career and I see him as the poor man’s Hightower.

Round 2 – Alameda
Ta’amu, DT/NT, Washington – Will he be here is the biggest question. He had
a more impressive season two years ago, but may have made up for a lackluster
past year with a terrific Senior Bowl (or was it the Shrine?) I doubt Pitt
touches Poe even if he is available in the first and I don’t know if Chapman
lasts until the end of round 3, so I forced my hand and went with
this NT scenario.

Round 3 – Brandon
Brooks, G, Miami (Ohio) – Apples and oranges as this point with this
selection. Colbert has talked about how deep the guard position is in this
year’s draft, so I have a feeling they feel comfortable waiting until the third
to see who is still available. My guess is it’s this guy.

Round 4 – Trenton
Robinson, S, Michigan State – Rumors have it they slobbered over this guy
at either the combine or his Pro Day. No doubt they could improve their safety
depth and groom someone to eventually replace Clark.

Round 5 – Keith
Tandy, CB, West Virginia – So many mocks have him linked to Pittsburgh and
it makes sense. A lot of it has to do with the big Steeler turnout at the WVU
pro day. They’ll grab a corner, only a matter of when.

Round 6 – Levy
Adcock, T, Oklahoma State – They always seem to grab someone that comes
across as an o-line wimp. I think this guy fits the bill. They’ll probably look
for depth at tackle, and they are due to make at least a few selections that I
would disagree with. At least I selected the blemish in round 6.

Round 7 – Oliver
Vernon, DE/OLB, Miami – I admit, he’ll probably get drafted earlier just
based on his college of origin. His numbers are not worth him getting selected
before round 7, IMO. Between Worilds, Stevenson, and with Hightower
drafted in this scenario, they’ll bring in another guy to try the OLB position.

Okay, okay, I know
Pitt only has 3 comp picks in the 7th, but I took the liberty to focus on 4
possible selections. Sue me. Besides, I’m treating the round 7
like it’s a priority free agent pool.

7a – Michael Smith,
RB, Utah State – Chance-of-pace back that I think NYBites mentioned a while
back (forgive me if it was someone else). I’m not giving up on Batch and I’m
thinking Pitt may feel the same way.

7b – Adrien Robinson,
TE, Cincinnati – 4.58 40 at his Pro Day…yeah, whatever. But the Steelers did
have him in for a visit. Seems a bit raw.

7c – Tony Clemons,
WR, Colorado – Almost an Antonio
Brown clone. Could be a steal.

7d – Jeff
Adams, T, Utah – Can never have too many big uglies in camp and he’s a Mr. Smarty Pants.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2012/0
4/steelers-mock-draft-version-2-0-f
inal-christopher-dimarino/

Final one from SD
1. Coby Fleener
2. Brandon Brooks
3. Mike Martin
4. Nate Potter
5. TY Hilton
6. Keith Tandy
7. Austin Davis
7. Drake Dunsmore
7. Toney Clemons
7. Drew Butler

Obviously don't like Fleener and even he says it probably won't happen but he has to quell that massive **** he has for him. I like the pick of Brooks, but 56 may be high for him but the Steelers seem to really like him so this is very logical. I like Martin, Chapman more but Martin is a very logical pick. Potter is weak, rather get a Turbin, Egnew, or McNutt. Like Hilton, a lot you can do with him and the Steelers brought him in but I think a tall guy is better. Tandy is just meh, rather Sensebaugh later and Hicks here. Two TEs won't and better not happen, obviously like Austin Davis, Clemons is decent, and I don't like drafting a punter, kicker makes more sense. Noticed no running backs, doubt that happens. 

7d – Jeff
Adams, T, Utah – Can never have too many big uglies in camp and he’s a Mr. Smarty Pants.

Isn't he from Columbia?

Not a big fan of the michael Smith selection either.

And like NYB said I think the Steelers might pull the strings on Brooks in the 2nd round. They def. have this kid higher on their board than most others.

I know a lot of you guys are starting to sour on the Steelersdepot site for draft info but this Mock could be a possibility:

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2012/0
4/2012-steelers-mock-draft-version-
5-0-final-version/

Don't know if I like the Mike Martin Pick but if he's putting on a little weight, still has the burst, and with his wrestling backround can hold ground against double teams.

The Van Bergen pick sounds like a steeler player to me too, remember Keisel was a seventh rounder at one time and I don't think the DE position is a position of weakness.

As far as the TE from Benoit goes it seems like he's got really good hands, and all I thought of was how NE used Hernandez in the playoffs last year, coming out of the backfield and couldn't be jammed at the line.

Not a big fan of the micheal Smith selection either.

I think he has talent and low mileage, part of a dyanmic running attack at Utah State and I like the pick. IN fact I picked him in my Collaborative Draft. Baron Batch if he could only stay healthy..... Smith would not even be on my radar.  But he can't and I am betting dollars to cents, Isiah Pead is gone before PIttsburgh selects in round 3.  I think it would be foolish to draft another big bruising back, Pittsburgh has enough of those types of guys on this roster. What would help is a guy with breakaway speed who could also return kicks and keep Antonio Brown from getting decapitated.

Reckless, pretty reasonable draft there.  I do think the Steelers will get a RB a little earlier - maybe Peade, 3rd or 4th.  I would also prefer they go OG in the second round if they do indeed grab Hightower (Bubba Smith) in the first.

Okay, okay, I know
Pitt only has 3 comp picks in the 7th, but I took the liberty to focus on 4
possible selections. Sue me. Besides, I’m treating the round 7
like it’s a priority free agent pool.

First off calm down, no one's judging. Second, you are actually correct because the Steelers have 4 picks in the 7th, 3 comps and the regular one assigned to them. 

7d – Jeff Adams, T, Utah – Can never have too many big uglies in camp and he’s a Mr. Smarty Pants.


Indeed, not sure why Utah was on my mind. I blame the Mormons.


 I do think the Steelers will get a RB a little earlier - maybe Peade, 3rd or 4th.  I would also prefer they go OG in the second round if they do indeed grab Hightower (Bubba Smith) in the first.     


Both points are issues I was concerned about. I chose to let RB slip, but I realize that they could just as easily prioritize the position in reality. As far as OG in the third, my logic was purely based on the guard depth in the draft and the phenomena that happens each draft - somehow a guy we have targeted happens to fall conveniently to us. For example, I thought Sweed slipped to us (kind of wish he didn't now) as well as Curtis Brown last year. Guard is my position of slippage this time around.    
    
  

Beach and others I hate to do this to you but we need to add this guy to our War board, I'd say 6th or 7th round.

---

Ryan Van Bergen was lauded for playing through a painful ligament sprain in his foot during the Sugar Bowl. But as the euphoria from the BCS victory wore off, reality set in.

The injury was going to prevent him from being at full strength for his NFL workouts.

Ha.

Instead, the former Michigan defensive lineman ran better than ever in front of 41 scouts from 29 NFL teams during the school's pro day Thursday at Schembechler Hall.

<!--e .body-->

Van Bergen posted a 4.90-second 40-yard dash, a tremendous time considering he weighs 291 pounds and has been running at full strength for only about two weeks. That would have placed 39th out of 68 defensive linemen at last month's NFL Scouting Combine.

"I feel fantastic," Van Bergen told AnnArbor.com. "I think I upped my status a little bit. I only had two weeks to prepare, running-wise, but I came out here and pretty much had my best day ever.

"In the three-cone, I could have been a little better. I slipped a little bit, but still a respectable number. Otherwise, there’s not a single drill I’m disappointed with."

Van Bergen posted 31 repetitions in the 225-pound bench press. That would have placed 12th out of 45 defensive linemen at the combine.

After the workout, he said 10 to 20 teams spoke with him. That included an extensive chat with Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who was the only head coach in attendance.

"He said I was very impressive," said Van Bergen, who will be a valued free agent if he is not drafted. "(Tomlin) said, 'You’re a five-tech, aren't you?' with these big ol’ eyes. I said, 'Yes I am, and I could be your five-tech.'

"I feel like I got to stay by the phone for the next 24 hours now, because a bunch of guys said they would be in contact."

Van Bergen has been working out with five former teammates at BarwisMethods, which is operated by former Michigan strength and conditioning coach Mike Barwis. The lineman credited Barwis for helping to expedite his recovery.

Of course, he might have another secret weapon these days, too. Van Bergen, who nicknamed his long hair "Flow" during the season, has since cut off the locks. He now is sporting a buzz cut.

"It was a little painful to watch them sweep it up, but other than that, it was fine," Van Bergen said.

"At least it's aerodynamic."

---

I love the confidence!! The Steelers had a realy strong presence and specifically pulled this guy and Mike Martin aside for individual workouts.

Roc,

I agree - I've seen him mocked a couple of times...

enjoy,

bb

Reading what Steelersdepot has said about Mike Martin, I think he is the closest thing to a lock to the Steelers and is probably the most likely guy we see them draft. They've worked with him multiple times, including private ones at his pro days. Plus Woodley is apparently pushing hard to draft Martin, and Martin wants to play for the Steelers and Woodley is his favorite player.

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012
/04/22/alabama-lb-donta-hightower-c
an-see-himself-in-steeler-black-gol
d/

Interview with Hightower, says he can see himself on the Steelers. He will also be at the draft (as well Perry, Poe, Glenn, Cox, Brockers, and Fleener so the guys that are most likely to go to them will be there and will get to hold that jersey).

703,943 and counting.



No to drafting Burfict. You could get a good kid who will bust his ass to make the team on shear willpower and attriction. I would rather roll the dice with Noah Keller or Shawn Loisseau late in the draft.

I really don't think they'd even consider it.

Having said that, you're correct in saying there really is no harm if they do bring him in as a FA. I just don't see them bringing in a lazy SOB with a big mouth and a failed drug test.  

Beach,

Justin Bethel is still at 162, Jerrell Harris, OLB, ALabama I asked to be added, he is still MIA f rom the board and Colbert brought him in to the South Side for a tire kick.

nyb

In anticipation for tomorrow (and to bump some easy posts to this thread count ), lets play:

10 Draft Day Questions:

1. Watch alone or with a group/party?

I'll have some buddies over. Mostly Bills fans. The offseason is like Christmas for them. 

2. ESPN or NFL Network?

Both. Although ESPN will be muted 90% of the time (which NY will say is 10% too little)

3. Number of TV's and/or computers/laptops?

Two TV's and a laptop.

4. Beverage of choice?

Currently living in Buffalo, I drink a lot of Labatt and Molson

5. Snack of choice?

Spicy sausage queso dip is a draft day must.

6. Object most likely to get thrown at the TV or across the room during Draft Coverage?

Usually ends up being a pillow. I'm more of a yeller.

7. Steelers Jersey? (If so, who)

Jerome Bettis, Home Jersey. Terrible Towel will obviously be on display as well.

8. Number of 1st round trades?

Four

9. Favorite Sleeper?

WR Derek Moye.

6'5 and decent speed. Attacks the ball and suffered from inconsistent QB play. Just have a feeling he'll stick somewhere.

10. Who's Pittsburgh take in the 1st?

Hightower

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M THE BIGGEST STEELER HOMER ON THE BOARD! YOU ALL LOVE MY OBNOXIOUSNESS



bump 

Nobody is saying to draft Burfict, nyb...just take a look at him as a UFA.  Giving the kid $50-60K to sign on and come to camp is well worth the potential risk, IMO.

FYI,

Mayock mocked Cordy Glenn to us at #24..  Hightower to the Ratbirds later..  for what it's worth...

enjoy,

bb

Mayock mocked Cordy Glenn to us at #24..  Hightower to the Ratbirds later..  for what it's worth...

Nonsense.  We didn't have Glenn in for a visit, nor were Tomlin/Colbert/Kugler present at Georgia's pro day.  We don't usually take players we show no interest in.

And in the unlikely event Hightower is there and we PASS on him, there is ZERO CHANCE he makes it past Houston.  They've made no secret they are NOT taking an offensive player in the first round, and with DeMeco Ryans going to Philly, there is only one spot that needs to be addressed on their defense, and its lining up right next to Cushing at ILB.  If the Ravens really want Hightower, they're going to have to trade up for him.

I'll play...

10 Draft Day Questions:

1. Watch alone or with a group/party?

Alone

2. ESPN or NFL Network?

nfl network more than likely

3. Number of TV's and/or computers/laptops?

one - and I wont watch too long tomorrow - going fishing early 4:00am on friday morning.  I'll watch most of Friday and saturday - I like watching the later rounds better then round 1.  I'll probably miss our first pick live - too late for me.

4. Beverage of choice?

milk and/or water

5. Snack of choice?

none - I get heart burn if I eat after 6:00pm

6. Object most likely to get thrown at the TV or across the room during Draft Coverage?

none - Its just the draft

7. Steelers Jersey? (If so, who)

no - #58 stays in the closet  - only for big games

8. Number of 1st round trades?

4-5

9. Favorite Sleeper?

ILB Shawn Loiuseau Merrimack - great motor - a "football Player"


10. Who's Pittsburgh take in the 1st?

Nick Perry DE/OLB USC - (I want Hightower - but I got a feeling he'll be gone)


enjoy,

bb

10 Draft Day Questions:

1. Watch alone or with a group/party?

Me and my 4 Labrodor Reteivers, so technically with a herd.

2. ESPN or NFL Network?

Tough question, Captain Obvious

3. Number of TV's and/or computers/laptops?

50" tv and my computer monitor is also a 42" tv that I can swith back and forth with one click.

4. Beverage of choice?

Rolling rock starting Friday after work.

5. Snack of choice?

Wings and Bacon Chesseburger PIzza.

6. Object most likely to get thrown at the TV or across the room during Draft Coverage?

hat

7. Steelers Jersey? (If so, who)

Jack Lambert Home

8. Number of 1st round trades?

none involving the Steelers.

9. Favorite Sleeper?

FS Justin Bethel

like 20 blocked kicks and he plays a solid nickel and dime.

10. Who's Pittsburgh take in the 1st?

Hightower unless the Stains or the bungh0les take him, then I go with Michael Brockers.