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NFL Mock Draft 2012: Steelers Need Guard Help, And Kelechi Osemele Could Fit

Injuries, poor form and expiring contracts define the current situation on the offensive line of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even if they feel a player at a different position provides better value in the first round, the Steelers will almost certainly be addressing the line in the draft's early rounds. In the most recent mock draft at National Football Post, Wes Bunting has the Steelers selecting Iowa State guard Kelechi Osemele with the No. 24 overall pick in the first round.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers Iowa State OG Kelechi Osemele
The Steelers have a ton of holes up front, but adding a talented body who can play some guard or right tackle like Osemele is a solid value at the end of round one.

Whether or not scouts will give Osemele a first-round grade remains to be seen, but he's a perfect fit for the Steelers' system. The three guards currently with the team -- Trei Essex, Chris Kemoeatu and Ramon Foster -- are all very large guards and much more powerful than they are quick, like Osemele. He played tackle in college, but projects to an interior position at the NFL level.

For more on this and all things Steelers football, head over to Behind the Steel Curtain. For more on the upcoming NFL Draft, check out Mocking the Draft.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.