Many 2012 NFL mock drafts have the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the No. 24 pick in the draft, selecting offensive line help. Not the case in Rob Rang's latest mock draft, courtesy of CBSsports.com and NFLdraftscout.com. He sees Pittsburgh taking a lineman, but on the defensive side of the ball:
24. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State: The headliner in a dominant Michigan State unit that led the Big 10 in both run and total defense, Worthy has the build of a run-stuffer (estimated at 6-3, 320) but has remarkable burst off the snap, making him an intriguing pass rusher, as well. Only bouts with inconsistency push him outside of the top 20.
Worthy could be a suitable complement and eventual replacement to Casey Hampton, who was knocked out of Pittsburgh's playoff loss to the Denver Broncos. Hampton's linemate Chris Hoke had neck surgery during the season, so added Worthy as defensive line depth certainly makes sense for the Steelers.
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