SBNation.com has its final mock draft before the 2011 NFL Draft begins Thursday night. Cam Newton, Marcell Dareus and Von Miller kick things off. After that, a couple of cornerbacks are much higher in this mock draft than in most. Nebraska corner Prince Amukamara heads to the 49ers with the No. 7 pick:
San Fran would be leaving serious talent on the board with this pick, but Amukamara is a clean, potentially elite talent at a huge position of need for the 49ers.
Colorado corner Jimmy Smith, meanwhile, gets all the way up to the Detroit Lions at No. 13. Despite that, this mock has Texas corner Aaron Williams still available when the Steelers pick at No. 31, and yet the Steelers don’t take him, instead opting for Baylor offensive lineman Danny Watkins:
The Steelers could use a starter on the offensive line, and Watkins has better upside than serviceable-at-best left guard Chris Kemoeatu.
No doubt the Steelers could use an offensive lineman, but I simply don’t see this happening – Watkins is 26, and cornerback is a much more serious need. There have also been multiple reports connecting the Steelers to Williams. Even if Williams isn’t available, I’ll be surprised if they take Watkins.