2012 Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Has Dontari Poe Going To Steelers

Read More: Dontari Poe (DL - Memphis), Pittsburgh Steelers

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper released his latest mock draft today. In that mock, he had the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe with the No. 23 pick.

The Steelers are always going to find answers under the brilliant Dick LeBeau, but they have to get younger, particularly up front, and they know it. Poe is that rare zero-technique centerpiece to a 3-4 defense, the guy who simply eats up blockers and frees up the linebackers. If he develops, Poe can be the heir to Casey Hampton in the middle of that scheme, and these guys are just really tough to find. The value lines up as well.

The Steelers have always been a defense-oriented team. They could use the upgrade to their defensive package and if he can be the next great nose tackle in the Steelers 3-4 scheme, the linebackers could wreak even more havoc than they already do.

For more on this and all things Steelers football, head over to Behind the Steel Curtain. For more on the upcoming NFL Draft, check out Mocking the Draft.