2011 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft Needs

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock with the 31st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at their biggest needs and potential targets in this draft preview.

1. Offensive Line: Pittsburgh started the process of shoring up the offensive line last year by drafting Florida’s Maurkice Pouncey, who went on to make the Pro Bowl. More work needs to be done up front to protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and keep the running game formidable. The Steelers could choose to take the best available guard or tackle with the 31st overall pick. Because they fell in love with a versatile offensive lineman last year, Baylor’s Danny Watkins might just trip their trigger on draft day. The Baylor guard can play multiple positions and plays with a mean streak. I would like to think he would fit in nicely beside Pouncey. Miami guard Orlando Franklin is a possible round two option and Pittsburgh also has to like that he has experience at both guard and tackle. Interestingly enough, scouts also note that he plays with a nasty streak. Villanova tackle Ben Ijalana is another round two target.

2. Cornerback: Starting corner Ike Taylor and backup Will Gay are free agents and the Steelers can’t afford to take any chances. They’ll be looking to draft a corner with one of their top two picks. While offensive line is the bigger need, Pittsburgh may not be able to pass up a player like Texas’ Aaron Williams. He has good size at a shade under 6-foot and 204 pounds. Former cornerback and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau should be able to coach him up. Virginia’s Ras-I Dowling and Louisville’s Johnny Patrick are round two targets. Dowling is over 6-foot-1 and nearly 200 pounds and possesses top-end speed. These attributes make him a potential steal.

3. Defensive Line: Pittsburgh defensive lineman Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel will be entering their 13th, 11th and 10th seasons respectively. The Steelers started their youth movement on the offensive line last year and may want to think about starting one on the defensive line this year. The Steelers are in the market for a big nose tackle and could take a shot on Hampton’s Kenrick Ellis in round two or three. Don’t let his school fool you. He started at South Carolina before running into some off-the-field issues. Still, I’m far less concerned when suspect character guys go to teams with established veterans. It’s hard to get guys at 6-foot-5 and 350 pounds at this stage of the draft so Pittsburgh may have to pounce if he falls in their lap.

4. Wide Receiver: With Hines Ward nearing the end of a fine career, the Steelers must think about adding another receiver they can combine with Mike Wallace to form a nice one-two punch. It doesn’t make sense to reach for a receiver with their top pick since it isn’t the biggest area of need. They’ll be looking to address this spot later on. A player like Boise State’s Austin Pettis could be a nice pickup in round three.

More NFL Draft Needs