It’s that time of year when mock drafts get filed with increasing regularity. SB Nation publishes a new iteration each week, and a number of the network’s properties, including Behind the Steel Curtain, consistently tweak their mocks as April’s Draft approaches. Then there’s the national guys like ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay. On Thursday, McShay published his most recent first round mock draft ($) and here’s who he had pegged as the Steelers first round pick at No. 31:
Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami (FL)
Cornerback is a possibility here but Smith might be too much of a character risk, and Aaron Williams of Texas might be better at safety. There are also other options among offensive linemen but Franklin has experience playing guard and tackle, he plays with a chip on his shoulder and employs the kind of physical style the Steelers look for in their offensive linemen.
I personally hadn’t heard Franklin’s name thrown around much this draft season, so let me do a little research on the young man and I’ll get back to you with my two cents on him as a potential selection.