My official Steelers 2012 NFL Mock Draft will be out within the next two days, but for now I will release to you my dream draft for the Steelers. This is not the best players in the draft, but a sort of realistic look at a draft that could fill a lot of needs and set up the Steelers for many more years of success. This draft would require a few players to fall further than expected, but as we all know weird things happen in the NFL Draft.
1.) Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Martin has the skill set to be a guy that can be given the left tackle spot on day one and hold it down for the next 10-plus years. His arms are shorter than most like for an offensive lineman which could cause him to drop further than he was initially expected too. He likely won’t be around at #24, but if he is the Steelers would be smart to snatch him up. Marcus Gilbert would be able to stay at right tackle and Willie Colon could move back to guard where he started his career.
2.) Mychal Kendricks, ILB, California
Kendricks was the Pac-12 defensive player of the year in 2011. Although he showed great ability in college he is expected to fall in the draft due to his height, he is only listed at 5-11. James Farrior, who Kendricks would be in line to replace, was listed at 6-2. However, players like Darren Sproles continue to show that skill can outweigh size.
3.) Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
Boykin is the type of player that could be a mid-round steal. He has the skills to be an elite corner in the NFL, but we will have to wait and see if he can put it all together at the next level.
4.) Senio Kelemete, G/OT, Washington
Kelemete is considered best suited at left guard and may not reach the fourth round as his draft stock has been rising lately. He would be a steal for the Steelers in the fourth and could be a starter on the Steelers offensive line as a rookie.
5.) Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama
Chapman is my favorite nose tackle prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has experience playing nose tackle in a 3-4 defense at Alabama and the only reason he won’t be a second round pick, most likely, is due to an ACL injury.
6.) Aaron Henry, S, Wisconsin
7.) Cliff Harris, CB/PR, Oregon
7b.) Ryan Miller, G, Colorado
7c.) Brandon Lindsey, DE, Pittsburgh
7d.) Brett Roy, DE/DT, Nevada
In the sixth and seventh rounds players look for guys that have potential, but weren’t rated as high coming out of school. Aaron Henry is the type of safety that may need a couple years, but could become a solid starter down the line. Cliff Harris will fall in the draft due to off-the-field issues, but has top returner skills and could become a good nickle corner. Ryan Miller could surprise people late in the draft; he may not be rated highly, but he has a chance to be a late round steal. Brandon Lindsey would be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. The Steelers expressed interest in Lindsey and he could be their annual OLB selection in 2012. Brett Roy isn’t a top name, but he has good size and could provide needed depth at defensive end.
