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Don Banks has the Steelers looking to Penn State for help on the defensive line in his second mock draft.


By Don Banks, SI.com

The build-up to the draft seems to start in about late November these days, but the week of the league's annual Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is when it begins to really engulf us and dominate the discussion in the NFL. As I head back to Indiana once again -- I'll be able to vote there any day now -- for the opening of the league's week-long extravaganza of workouts and Wonderlics, here's our latest attempt at mocking out the draft's first round:
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1 QB Andrew Luck Stanford Jr. 6-4 235

While the Luck vs. RG3 debate might rightfully rage for the next two months, I'm convinced the Colts have their minds set on taking the pure pocket passer over the more athletically gifted quarterback from Baylor. Luck returns to Indy this week for the second time this month -- he was briefly there during Super Bowl week -- and this time he gets to meet with the Colts, who still have that other quarterback issue to grapple with. Colts owner Jim Irsay is going to make this call, and he's already talking Luck.


2 QB Robert Griffin III Baylor Jr. 6-2 220

(Projected trade with St. Louis) When all is said and done, Griffin will be going in this slot to someone, and the Browns still make the most sense in terms of their need at quarterback and their good fortune to own two first-round picks in 2012. Trust me on this one: The NFL is about to fall in love with Griffin, and the top of the draft is all about quarterbacks. The Browns should jump on this deal -- and this player -- with gusto, because they're not getting the ultra-impressive Griffin if they sit tight at No. 4. If Cleveland doesn't move on Griffin, Washington might.

Read the rest of the story.

Comments (33)Add Comment
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written by alexpo, February 22, 2012 - 02:29 PM
I assume the PSU player is Devon Still? (I can't read the article since it's blocked from work). USA Today printed a list of all the top players at each position through the first five rounds or so and they have Devon Still listed as the 10th best player in the entire draft. I doubt he'll still be available when the Steelers are picking.
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written by BobRobertsonsbunt, February 22, 2012 - 02:30 PM
If he's there, it would be a great pick...though O Line would help, too.
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written by ISIS, February 22, 2012 - 02:30 PM
Devon Still is 6-5/310pds

That doesn't sound like the physical attributes for a NT in a 3-4 defense.

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written by chollister, February 22, 2012 - 02:47 PM
Still is more of a DE in a 3-4 so not sure I see this happening.
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written by TheUnblogger, February 22, 2012 - 03:08 PM
Steelers switching to a 4-3, Tomlin wants it and LeBeau
needs a challenge
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written by pghsportsfan, February 22, 2012 - 03:18 PM

ISIS, I agree. 6'5", 310 lbs is not NT size. Also, the Steelers don't need another DE. They took two in the last 3 years. I don't agree with the writer.
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written by snoel, February 22, 2012 - 03:19 PM
I'd try and move up to get Khalil!!
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written by TheUnblogger, February 22, 2012 - 03:29 PM
RG3 running the wildcat
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written by Max, February 22, 2012 - 03:30 PM
...
The Steelers need a first round draft choice that can help them THIS YEAR.

A project at NT doesn't fit that need.

They need a guard that can play THIS YEAR.

Or, it is sounding more and more likely, they need to get a #3 WR, since Wallace could be gone.

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written by TheUnblogger, February 22, 2012 - 03:36 PM
I'm starting to think that this will be a very poor year an the steelers know it and have planned accordingly for 2013 The chickens have come home to roost
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written by Meathead, February 22, 2012 - 03:39 PM
Steelers switching to a 4-3, Tomlin wants it and LeBeau
needs a challenge


Was Tomlin told that he wants it?
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written by Twisted Brister, February 22, 2012 - 03:43 PM
The first four picks should all be OL and DL.

Then:
5 - CB
6 - TE
7 - LB
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written by TheUnblogger, February 22, 2012 - 03:43 PM
Was Tomlin told that he wants it?


I think he's told to do everything
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written by cfd, February 22, 2012 - 04:03 PM
Still would be an excellent selection.....his college resume' speaks for itself.He was a high energy guy that over his career with PSU developed into a topflight D-Lineman. His position coach,Larry Johnson, said he was one of hardest workers and toughest players he has ever coached. Say no more,the Steelers can put him to work for me!
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written by JerseyD, February 22, 2012 - 04:17 PM
I don't like the pick because I don't like PSU players in the league... Outside of LB, not a good track record for pro players. I d rather have them trade down & get picks.
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written by Joe D, February 22, 2012 - 04:51 PM
Ya know....
The more and more that I read about Wallace...
the more and more I think Steelers will not be able to sign him...
therefore, Steelers will have 2 First round picks..
Steelers need in this order:
1. OL (of course the team with most sacks needs OL)
2. CB (it's a passing league people)
3. DT (I would cut Hampton and play Keisel at DT)
4. ILB (Farrior will be cut)
5. WR (If Ward and Wallace are cut)
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written by fordfan485, February 22, 2012 - 05:22 PM
These mock drafts need to start including the pick we will get for Wallace
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written by SteelerMark, February 22, 2012 - 06:03 PM

I'll make the blog a bet. I'll bet the Steelers will put a first round designation on Mike Wallace, and that Mike Wallace will NOT get an offer elsewhere.

Mike can go deep, but he is an average at best posession/red zone receiver. He's not worth great gobs of cap space to anyone who is a contender.
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written by IronCityDrinker, February 22, 2012 - 06:35 PM
I am curious to see what Bruce Arians thinks of Andrew Luck. As the newly annointed OC, I would think someone (esp. from the Pittsburgh media or blogs) would ask Bruce Arians if he wants Andrew Luck.

As for the Steelers, again, I would ask Bruce Arians what he thinks the Steelers should do. His opinion, strategies, concepts are integral to the Steeler way and even though Art Rooney (not the fans) chased him away, i believe his thoughts are in order?
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written by AZburgher, February 22, 2012 - 06:56 PM
*t seems a lot of posters loathe ESPN.
But I saw a draft show recently where they put a slight "rap" on his consistency and his "motor". Speaking of Still.
It was Mark Schlereth and Chris Mortenson yakking. For whatever that is worth..It surprised me to hear the comment, though.
Go PITT!
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written by wee willie wallace, February 22, 2012 - 07:00 PM
I just saw a recent analysis on the NFL Network and they were talking about Still. They weren't crazy about him, and said something to the effect that, "he takes some plays off." Definitely not what you want to hear about a player; especially a first-rounder.

Banks only has one RB going in the first round??? I think he is wrong on that one.
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written by AZburgher, February 22, 2012 - 07:06 PM
Off topic but sweet..
Did you see Ron Cooks column?
He calls Jim Leyland about AJ..And gets a double thumbs up. That's reporting and a great source..
Go Bucs!
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written by Poz, February 22, 2012 - 07:07 PM
Or, it is sounding more and more likely, they need to get a #3 WR, since Wallace could be gone.


So I understand, does the above mean use a first round pick to draft a #3 wide receiver?
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written by out-n-ltfield29, February 22, 2012 - 07:20 PM
I'm just about mocked out already...

Show me a guy who's 6'1" or 6'2" and 320-330 lbs with arms like legs and legs like people. That is what a 3-4 NT looks like.

This kid from PSU is a 5 technique bust, not a NT.
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written by Jackagain, February 22, 2012 - 10:04 PM
I heard the same thing about Still that he takes plays off. The Steelers need a NT, a guard and inside linebackers. I didn't much at IB though in this draft sadly.

The secondary is fairly set with some previous draft picks developing at corner. No real need there...
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written by hunter, February 22, 2012 - 10:52 PM
So much for Bank's "expertise" and that of those here raving about what a good pick it would be. Still is in no way a NT. Not the size or skills. He is a classic 4-3 tackle. Steelers play a 3-4. Maybe could be a DE in the 3-4 but Steelers already have Hood and Heyward waiting to step in. Again, so much for the "knowledgeable" Steeler fans. No excuse for Banks.
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written by mustard, February 22, 2012 - 11:13 PM
Cox from Miss St is a much better choice.
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written by Jopa-n, February 23, 2012 - 06:07 AM
I am in favor it- considering where Still is rated- but will he drop from 9-16 down to 24? Maybe by the time mock draft 3,006 gets put out in early April, he'll be a 3rd rounder.
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written by Hanover Bill, February 23, 2012 - 07:13 AM

Still was pretty much a beast in a couple of PSU games I watched. Whether he can transfer that type of play to the NFL remains to be seen, although recent PSU defensive linemen have transitioned well to the NFL.

I still think OL is their biggest need, and it is time to finally commit to building a strong OL to protect Ben as he ages.
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written by SonnyDrysdale, February 23, 2012 - 07:15 AM
Still will be long gone @ #24. Would be great for Steelers, very solid. BTW, there are no nose tackles in this draft
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written by NMR, February 23, 2012 - 08:36 AM
Lord, the NFL would be better off contracting the Browns and just letting last years Alabama team play in their place.

Unreal amount of talent.
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written by gregenstein, February 23, 2012 - 08:56 AM
I still think OL is their biggest need, and it is time to finally commit to building a strong OL to protect Ben as he ages.

They drafted a Center in the 1st round in 2010 (Pouncey) and a Tackle in the 2nd round in 2011 (Gilbert). They are paying attention to the o-line. I suspect they'll spend another 2nd or 3rd rounder on o-line.

As for this year, I think I would take Still if he is still available. I don't know if he's a NT in a 3-4, but Chris Hoke seemed to hold down the position pretty well at a similar weight. They could move Hood down there if necessary. It's so much of a passing league now that you only need a NT on the goal line and against the Broncos. Big Snack only plays like 15 plays a game right now at most, so it's really not worth trying to find an identical replacement. The 3rd corner plays more.

Donta Hightower would be another guy I'd strongly consider. The few times I've seen him play, he's been everywhere. Smart, athletic kid.
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written by SonnyDrysdale, February 23, 2012 - 09:20 AM
People for Poe are forgetting that the Steelers dont' draft non BCS players in first 3 rounds of draft.

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