SBNation.com’s new 2011 NFL Mock Draft suggests that the Steelers will take Baylor offensive lineman Danny Watkins. The idea is that, as a 26-year-old, Watkins could potentially start right away. The downside is that, as a 26-year-old, there isn’t a ton of upside there.
Fitting a 26-year-old interior lineman into the first round of a mock draft doesn’t happen a lot, but it makes sense for a Pittsburgh team that needs reinforcements along its line, and immediate impact from its top draft pick.
This mock has Texas corner Aaron Williams going with the very next pick to the Green Bay Packers. Williams would arguably fit the Steelers’ needs better, as cornerback is probably the Steelers greatest position of need.
This mock has Cam Newton going to the Carolina Panthers with the first overall pick, followed by Marcell Dareus, Von Miller, Blaine Gabbert, Patrick Peterson and A.J. Green. Florida guard Mike Pouncey moves all the way up to the Dolphins at No. 15 overall.