Here’s another cool NFL Mock Draft, this one with Steelers picks only. This one has the Steelers taking Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling (who is mentioned about 80 times in this storystream, in case you were wondering) with the No. 31 pick in the first round. I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen Dowling taken this early, but the author’s argument for Dowling (instead of, say, Miami corner Brandon Harris) is compelling:
Before the season started he was considered the top CB prospect in the nation and a top 10 lock. Folks, his play didn’t drop, and for anyone that has ever had an ankle injury, continuing to play often results in other leg injuries from your body compensating to protect the injured part. He is a shutdown corner with a great size/speed combination. As a DB Coach I can tell you, he has great hips, great ball skills (as indicated by his interceptions and PBU) and more importantly is the most physical corner in the draft and an eventual successor to Ike [Taylor] as our #1 CB.
Dowling is pretty widely regarded as a second-round pick, so if he’s the Steelers’ top choice, they might consider trading down to get him.
This mock has the Steelers picking Indiana offensive lineman James Brewer in the second round and Hampton nose tackle Kenrick Ellis in the third.