Who will the Steelers draft in April? The Consensus says...

After conducting and analysis of 10 of the most credible NFL mock draft sites (including mocks done by Sports Illustrated, Mel Kiper, and Todd McShay), I have compiled a list of consensus draft picks for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The NFL draft is never an exact science and can be difficult to predict at times, but it’s not too difficult to see which direction the Steelers will go this year.

Currently, the Steelers offensive line is filled with free agents and limited or unproven talent, so they will be likely drafting the best offensive lineman available at 32 to become the new anchor of the o-line. Based on the 10 draft sites that I chose, here is the consensus for the Steelers 1st pick at #32:


1. Alex Mack (5 votes) - Center, California


Mack is described as one of the best centers to come out of college in the last decade. Mack’s abilities are often compared to those of Jets Pro Bowl center, Nick Mangold.

Several analysts have said that Mack is the best interior lineman in the draft and he is a smart kid with a ton of football knowledge. He would be an incredible fit for the Steelers and could be the next great center for a team with a rich history of great centers.


2. Max Unger (2 votes) - Center / Tackle, Oregon

Unger is noted for his versatility as he earned all-conference honors in at two different positions in consecutive seasons: center and left tackle.


Scouts describe Unger as a guy that does everything correctly and brings the "right" approach to the game. Coach's love that Unger plays every single play until the whistle is blown and he plays with a lot of heart.

However, there are a few question marks regarding Unger's ability to block power rushers. A few scouts suggested that Unger needs to become stronger.



3. Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma


In "typical" drafts, the only way to land a guard of Robinson's potential is to trade up from the 32nd pick. This year is different. The 2009 draft is so deep in OT's and it might create an opportunity for the Steelers to land a guard of his caliber.

At 6'5", 335 lbs, Robinson has been described as the "quickest" football player on the field in many of his college games. That's not usually something you hear about an offensive guard.

Robinson has the ability to drive defensive linemen off the ball to create running lanes and he has excellent technique when pass blocking. Robinson has Pro Bowl caliber tools and could be the first guard taken. It wouldn't be a bad thing if the Steelers draft the first offensive guard of the 2009 NFL draft.


4. William Beatty, Offensive Tackle, UConn


Beatty is a 6'6" 300 highly athletic offensive tackle. At a position where he must the the "quarterback protector", Beatty does just that. His phenominal pass blocking ability and tremendous footwork have many scouts looking at him as a late 1st round pick or an early 2nd round pick.





Beatty is rated as the 6th best OT in the draft that is deep with OT talent. Beatty has the athleticism to protect the QB's blind side, but it is important that Beatty adds some weight. Because of Beatty being a little underweight for an OT, he is vulnerable to the bull rush.





Beatty has two attributes that make him an appealing pick: Atheticism and work ethic.


5. Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU



The only way the Steelers will draft Tyson Jackson is by moving up 10 or 15 spots in the draft. Jackson is an incredible DE with outstanding size and bulk.

The 6'5", 290 lb DE has long arms, huge hands, and great strength. Jackson is an incredible bull rusher that uses his hands well. He's a team leader type of player with an incredilbe work ethic.

He was twice named to the All-SEC team and is best suited in the 3-4 scheme. Jackson would be an amazing Steeler, but there are two things standing in the way: The Steelers are desperate for a game changing offensive lineman and the Steelers have the uncanny ability to take 7th round picks and make them incredible 3-4 DE's.