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2013 NFL mock draft: Steelers take Lane Johnson in 1st round

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The Steelers allowed 37 sacks in 2012, finishing on the outside of the top 10 in sacks allowed for the first time in seven years.

Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The 8-8 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012 represents only the second season that didn't end with a winning record for the team since Ben Roethlisberger was drafted in 2004. With the NFL's No. 1 ranked defense and No. 21 ranked offense, the team could use a talent addition on offense, but it really doesn't have many holes. In the latest mock draft on SB Nation from Dan Kadar and Matthew Fairburn, the Steelers instead decide to bolster their offensive line.

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17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

Last season the Steelers pieced together an offensive line that featured rookie Mike Adams and the aging Max Starks at tackle. Adams often proved overmatched and Starks graded out as one of the worst tackles in the league. Lane Johnson is a player who saw his stock rise throughout the season. He's a physical blocker on the left side, can get out on the move some and is physical.

The Steelers finished in the top 10 for most sacks allowed in six consecutive seasons before allowing 37 and finishing No. 14 in the NFL in 2012. However, Roethlisberger missed three games due to shoulder and rib injuries. Although he is one of the most consistently sacked quarterbacks in the NFL, the Steelers have to do what they can to protect the two-time Pro Bowler.

Johnson is a huge, 6-7, 303-pound tackle that was a quarterback in high school turned tight end turned defensive end turned offensive tackle. In his first and only season at left tackle for the Sooners, Johnson earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors.

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