The Miami Dolphins filled a glaring hole in their starting lineup on Thursday night, selecting interior offensive lineman Mike Pouncey out of Florida with the 15th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. While Pouncey could play either guard spot, it is likely that he will start at center in South Beach, despite occasional troubles this year handling snaps. This selection gives the Dolphins another effective young presence on their offensive front to pair with tackle Jake Long, a former top overall pick. (Now if they can just get quarterback Chad Henne to step up his game...)
There were rumors earlier this week that our favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, would auction their whole draft in order to pair Mike with his twin, All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey. However, as I discussed yesterday, Mike didn't fall beyond Miami, and it would have been foolhardy for the Steelers to trade away a bajillion picks to move way up the board for a guard when they have a number of needs, due to lack of talent and / or age.
I would hope people clamoring for the Steelers to trade up for Pouncey would be even more excited to see Pittsburgh trade up for Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara. (I don't think that's going to happen either - just makin' a point - but I could at least understand that a little better.)
In the meantime, we'll just have to wait and see what the Steelers do as their #31 pick approaches.