NFL Mock Draft 2012: Steelers Could Take Inside Linebacker

Heading into the 2012 NFL Draft, offensive line and linebacker will be top areas of concern for the Steelers.

Dec 10, 2011 - The 2012 NFL Draft doesn't seem like a particularly pressing issue in the Pittsburgh region - fans of the Steelers are focused on their teams' playoff aspirations, and no one from the local college teams figures to be a top-10 pick.

One local player who might land in the first round, though, is Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still. In its latest mock draft, Walter Football has Still going at No. 25 overall to the Dallas Cowboys:

The Cowboys had the option of picking J.J. Watt at No. 9 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. They went with Tyron Smith, who has been great thus far, but they're hurting at the defensive end position as a consequence.

Devon Still is enjoying a tremendous 2011 campaign and has vaulted himself into mid-first-round consideration.

Meanwhile, Walter Football has the Steelers taking linebacker Vontaze Burfict out of Arizona State.

The Steelers usually take the top player on their board, and it would be hard to imagine that it wouldn't be Vontaze Burfict in this case. Pittsburgh has some aging inside linebackers on its defense, so Burfict, who provides great value here in the wake of falling because of a mediocre 2011 campaign, would be a great long-term solution.

The Steelers will soon need to replace James Farrior at inside linebacker. The offensive line might be a more pressing issue, but as Walter Football notes, the Steelers really don't draft exclusively for need.

For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain.