The 2012 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, and beyond the first two picks, no one really knows what is going to happen with any of the selections. If someone tells you that they do, they're lying. That makes it incredibly hard for people around the Internet and elsewhere to try and predict the first round in their mock drafts. Dave Bryan at Steelers Depot took it a step further (six actually) by trying to predict every pick that the Steelers will make this weekend. You can read more about all of the prospects he assigns to the Steelers in the article, but here are the first few players he believes the Steelers will be drafting.
In the first round he has them taking USC outside linebacker Nick Perry, who he explains could be the eventual successor to James Harrison when he eventually has to step away. The Steelers need help at linebacker, but I think most would agree that inside linebacker is their greater need, not outside. The Steelers fill their offensive line need with their second round pick, guard Brandon Brooks out of Miami (OH).
Casey Hampton isn't getting any younger, so Bryan has the Steelers taking a possible nose tackle replacement in Michigan's Mike Martin in the third round. He projects the Steelers to take San Diego State running back Ronnie Hillman in the fourth round. Hillman could help Rashard Mendenhall in the backfield while he recovers from his knee injury.
Again, check out all of the picks in this seven round pre-draft mock.
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