SB Nation Pittsburgh - 2011 NFL Draft Results: Pittsburgh Steelers Select Defensive End Cameron Heyward, Shoring Up Aging 3-4 Fronthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48827/pitt-fv.png2011-04-29T13:53:07-04:00http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18399512011-04-29T13:53:07-04:002011-04-29T13:53:07-04:00NFL Draft 2011 Grades: How Should Browns, Steelers Grade Out?
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<p>SB Nation’s Bryan Gallifond has <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft/2011/4/29/2141509/nfl-draft-2011-grades-first-round-new-orleans-saints-detroit-lions"><span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft grades</a> for all 32 teams. It’s interesting stuff, although he doesn’t seem to weight traded 2012 draft picks very heavily, which leads to weirdness like the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> getting a higher grade (B-) than the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> (C+). The Browns, it seems to me, pretty clearly <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/4/29/2141458/2011-nfl-draft-results-draft-grades-aj-green-phil-taylor-jimmy-smith-cameron-cam-heyward">killed it</a> in the first round, getting a ton of value out of the No. 6 overall pick. I would give them an A, straight up, and I say this as a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> fan.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> get the lowest grade, with a C for reaching for Pitt receiver Jon Baldwin. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> get somewhat kinder treatment for reaching for quarterbacks Jake Locker and Christian Ponder, respectively, but maybe they get some slack for picking quarterbacks, who tend to be unpredictable. The Steelers get a B-:</p>
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<p>The Steelers aren’t a team that drafts for need; they draft for depth and their system. DE Cameron Heyward addresses both, and was just about perfect value-wise. There are still glaring needs to fill, however.</p>
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<p>True, but I’m not sure what grade the Steelers would have gotten had they taken a lesser talent like Aaron Williams, who fills a more obvious need. Other than getting creative by trading up or down, it isn’t really clear to me what the Steelers could have done better.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/4/29/2142781/nfl-draft-2011-grades-browns-steelersCharlie Wilmoth2011-04-29T10:00:58-04:002011-04-29T10:00:58-04:00NFL Draft 2011 (News): Falcons Stake Future On Julio Jones
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<p>A lot of teams had strange and questionable drafts, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>' might just take the cake. <span>Roddy White</span>'s reaction to the Falcons' acquisition of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35164/julio-jones">Julio Jones</a> was pretty priceless. <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/roddywhiteTV/status/63763352605835264">From his Twitter page</a> (<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/20555/falcons-go-all-in-for-julio-jones">via</a>):</p>
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<p>Well we got julio jones I'm excited</p>
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<p>Less than an hour later, White had found out exactly <i>how </i>Atlanta got Cleveland to trade the No. 6 pick for the Falcons to take Julio Jones, and he changed his tune:</p>
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<p>Well I was wrong we give up our draft</p>
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<p>Ouch. And your 2012 draft, too. The Falcons' decision to trade up for Jones - giving up their first-, second- and fourth-round picks this year as well as their first- and fourth-round picks next year - ensured that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> had the best Day 1 of any team. The Falcons now really need Jones to become a huge star, and he might. But they're taking a giant risk on him.</p>
<p>SB Nation's Falcons blog, <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2011/4/28/2140728/atlanta-falcons-trade-up-select-julio-jones-with-sixth-pick-in-draft">The Falcoholic</a><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/">,</a> weighs in on Jones:</p>
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<p>They're going to be a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks, and Jones has the potential to be an all-time great. I truly believe that.</p>
<p>The drawbacks? The Falcons gave up way too much to get Jones. Those picks could have been used to get multiple quality players, and the team may regret it in the next draft if players they want are available in the first round and they're not there to pick. Given Thomas Dimitroff's penchant for making great picks in every round, the fact that the Falcons gave up a huge bounty scares me more than a little bit.</p>
<p>In short, Dimitroff has balls of steel, the Falcons gave up way too much, but Jones is a potentially elite talent who may could transform the team's offense. With its blank eyes and steady hands, time alone can tell us whether it was the right move.</p>
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<p>It's pretty telling that the author thinks that Jones could be "an all-time great" - and <i>still </i>doesn't seem sure the Falcons didn't give up way too much to get him.</p>
<p>The Falcons will mostly be sitting out when the draft continues on Friday night at 6:30 PM Eastern. They don't have another pick until No. 91, and then don't have another one after that until No. 158. We'll see whether Julio Jones was worth it.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/4/29/2141674/nfl-draft-2011-time-newsCharlie Wilmoth2011-04-29T08:30:34-04:002011-04-29T08:30:34-04:00NFL Draft: Cameron Heyward Vs. Gabe Carimi (Video)
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<p>In case you're wondering what the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>' top pick in the NFL Draft, Ohio State defensive end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37258/cameron-heyward">Cameron Heyward</a>, might look like on the Steelers' line here in a year or two, here's some video. In this first one, he takes on Wisconsin's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/7554/gabe-carimi">Gabe Carimi</a>, who was selected by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> with the No. 29 pick in the draft, and it looks like Carimi is a tough matchup for him, although it certainly doesn't help that Carimi is allowed to get away with holding. (Heyward is No. 97 in the video.)</p>↵<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XjPsgcj2ufI" width="290" frameborder="0" height="175"></iframe></p>↵<p>Here's some terrific footage of Heyward against the University Of Illinois, against whom he appears to have less trouble.</p>↵<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kepXDCXe3IE" width="290" frameborder="0" height="175"></iframe></p>↵<p>Here's an interview in which Heyward talks about his similarities to his father, Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, and how he tries to carry on his father's legacy. The interviewer notes that he seems like a really fun guy off the field, in contrast to his play on the field. Given his personality and his local connections, it looks like Heyward will be a popular player in Pittsburgh.</p>↵<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/a_xqQg3osN0" width="290" frameborder="0" height="235"></iframe></p>↵
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/4/29/2141735/nfl-draft-cameron-heyward-steelers-video-gabe-carimi-chicago-bearsCharlie Wilmoth2011-04-29T08:01:02-04:002011-04-29T08:01:02-04:00Steelers Draft Picks 2011: Cameron Heyward Happy To Be In Pittsburgh
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<p>Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward, who the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> just selected with the No. 31 overall pick - has a deep history in Pittsburgh and <a href="http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_734608.html">will be happy to be in town</a>:</p>
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<p>"To be somewhere where you want to be is an unbelievable feeling," said Heyward, a Pittsburgh native who still has family in the area. "I always had a Terrible Towel."</p>
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<p>Heyward went to high school in Georgia, but his father, Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, was a star running back at Pitt.</p>
<p>The Steelers, for their part, also sound thrilled with their pick, as they seemed to be when they only took a couple of minutes to make it:</p>
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<p>"This is a special moment for this organization," Colbert said. "We got a guy we really wanted and still have all of our other picks."</p>
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<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">This looks like a match made in heaven. With Aaron Smith, <span>Brett Keisel</span> and <span>Ziggy Hood</span> in front of him, Heyward will have a year or two before the Steelers begin to depend on him as a starter. When they do, though, he'll probably become a fan favorite.<br>
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https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/4/29/2141600/steelers-nfl-draft-picks-2011-round-one-cameron-heywardCharlie Wilmoth2011-04-29T04:06:59-04:002011-04-29T04:06:59-04:002011 NFL Draft Results: AFC North First-Round Draft Grades
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<p>The first round of the draft was a successful one for all four AFC North teams.</p> <p>With the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft in the books, let's take a look at how teams from the AFC North - the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a>, <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a>, <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, and <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> - fared and give them some preliminary draft grades. You know what? There's still a lot of draft left - six rounds, to be exact - so let's call 'em<i> progress reports </i>instead.<i> </i>Take these home, have your parents sign them, and I'll see you kids on Monday.<i> </i></p>
<p><b>Baltimore Ravens: B+</b>. For the Ravens to acquire a talent like Colorado cornerback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/7686/jimmy-smith" class="sbn-auto-link">Jimmy Smith</a> as late as No. 27 is a minor miracle. If you look at the kid, you might guess he was a strong safety or a linebacker - he's that much of a physical specimen. Smith absolutely tore up the NFL Combine, notching a 4.42 40, a 10'3" broad jump, and 24 reps on the bench press. Those are some impressive numbers. And here's another one: last season, opposing collegiate quarterbacks completed only seven - <i>seven! </i>- passes against Smith in man coverage. Of course, he comes with some red flags, as he was arrested twice for minor possession during his time at Colorado, so some headaches could be on the horizon for Baltimore's coaching staff. The Ravens get a B+ for failing to finalize a trade with the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> that would've landed them an additional draft choice or two in addition to Smith, who would've likely been on the board after they traded down to #29. That's a gaffe no team has committed since the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> in 2003.</p>
<p><b>Cleveland Browns: A+</b>. I'm very impressed with how Cleveland has handled the draft so far, although you have to gave a lot of that credit to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> and their unbridled love for Alabama wide receiver <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35164/julio-jones" class="sbn-auto-link">Julio Jones</a>. I won't get started on Jones - I'll just say that I think he's a fantastic talent and has some crazy upside, especially when you consider he'll be lining up opposite <span>Roddy White</span>, who just might be the best receiver in the game at the moment - but what the Falcons gave up for him (and what the Browns <i>got</i>) is pretty mind-boggling. Here's how the trade breaks down:</p>
<p>Falcons get No. 6 (Julio Jones)</p>
<p>Browns get No. 27, No. 59, No. 124, plus first- and fourth-rounders in 2012<br><br>That's just ridiculous value right there. Even if Cleveland was in love with someone to draft at No. 6, you have to think it would be hard to turn down such an absolute treasure of draft picks. The Browns eventually went on to package the No. 27 overall pick to the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a> and pulled the trigger on the guy they wanted: Baylor defensive tackle <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/7369/phil-taylor" class="sbn-auto-link">Phil Taylor</a>, who should anchor the team's defensive front for years to come.</p>
<p>If Cleveland sticks with a 3-4 scheme, Taylor, the only true nose tackle in this year's class, will prove to be an excellent pick. While he, like Smith, comes with some question marks about his character, the talent here is undeniable. His presence in the middle could go a long way in turning around a Browns defense that has been a sieve for years. And should they go through with the shift to a 4-3, as has been rumored, then they must think he has the speed and acceleration to be a 4-3 tackle, as well.</p>
<p><b>Cincinnati Bengals: A-</b>. It's tough to find fault with the Bengals' selection of Georgia wide reciever <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36143/a-j-green" class="sbn-auto-link">A.J. Green</a> here, especially since the only other player on the board with as much talent (LSU cornerback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36522/patrick-peterson" class="sbn-auto-link">Patrick Peterson</a>) plays a position that Cincinnati already has covered (with starters <span>Leon Hall</span> and <span>Johnathan Joseph</span>). You only need to take a quick look at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok95CE0HwRM">Green's highlight reel</a> to see that he's NFL-ready. He has amazing body control, terrific hands, excellent route-running abilities, and perfect size. Basically, he's everything you could want in a receiver. No matter who's throwing the ball for the Bengals next year, they'll be happy to have Green on their side.</p>
<p><b>Pittsburgh Steelers: A-</b>. I'm very pleased with the Steelers' selection of Ohio State defensive end <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37258/cameron-heyward" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Heyward</a>. Everyone was clamoring about cornerbacks, but there are only three corners gone after one round. Meanwhile, defensive linemen have been selling like hotcakes, so it's unlikely that Pittsburgh would've been able to snag a five-technique of Heyward's caliber in the later rounds. That said, I have to wonder if the front office made any calls to see if they could move up and take <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8213/prince-amukamara" class="sbn-auto-link">Prince Amukamara</a>, the Nebraska cornerback who surprisingly fell to the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a> at No. 19. I also wouldn't be surprised if in a few years we're all wondering what might have been if we had selected Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod, who went to the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> on the following pick, instead. Time will tell. In any case, Pittsburgh is to be commended for letting the draft come to them and securing the services of a player who can definitely help them.</p>
<p>Many mock drafts had Heyward projected quite a bit higher, but the unexpected run on quarterbacks early allowed him to fall into Pittsburgh's lap. (It also basically ensured that the Steelers wouldn't find a trading partner from the early second round who might be interested in jumping up to grab a signal-caller at the bottom of the first.)</p>
<p>With third-year man <span>Ziggy Hood</span> coming into his own and Heyward on the roster, Steelers fans can feel a little better about their talented but rapidly aging defensive line. All three starters - nose tackle <span>Casey Hampton</span> and defensive ends <span>Brett Keisel</span> and <span>Aaron Smith</span> - are well over 30 and quite prone to injury, particularly Smith. A successful 3-4 scheme depends on the big men up front eating up blockers, so it makes sense to plan for the future. Plus, the value was there, as Heyward is a solid prospect with ideal size. He sheds blocks well and can play in a two-gap scheme in Pittsburgh's base defense or as an end in dime packages.</p>
<p>That's all for now. Obviously, it was a strong showing from every team in the division so far. Check back with us throughout the day for coverage and analysis of the second and third rounds of the 2011 NFL Draft! </p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/4/29/2141458/2011-nfl-draft-results-draft-grades-aj-green-phil-taylor-jimmy-smith-cameron-cam-heywarditaintmeeverifso2011-04-29T00:45:17-04:002011-04-29T00:45:17-04:002011 NFL Draft: What The Cameron Heyward Pick Means For The Steelers
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<p>Many <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> fans are breathing a sigh of relief that Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward fell to them in the first round of the 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft. While cornerback is a more pressing need, and while there were cornerbacks available (Texas’ Aaron Williams and Miami’s Brandon Harris) who projected to go at the end of the first round, neither Williams (who might turn out to be a safety) nor Harris (who is undersized) were of much interest to Steelers fans, who preferred Virginia’s Ras-I Dowling.</p>
<p>Dowling will probably be gone by the middle of the second round, and Williams will probably also be gone next time the Steelers’ name is called. But in the meantime, the Steelers picked up a solid value in Heyward at a position of need. <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/4/28/2141285/pittsburgh-steelers-welcome-cameron-heyward-to-the-family-with-31st">Here’s Behind The Steel Curtain on the Heyward selection</a>:</p>
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<p>At 6’5", 294 pounds, Heyward projects quite well as a 3-4 defensive end. With <span>Brett Keisel</span> and <span>Aaron Smith</span> both over the age of 30 and dinged up with injuries in recent years, it made sense for the Steelers to use a high pick on a defensive lineman for the second time in three years. He’ll provide immediate depth along John Mitchell’s line in 2011, with the hope that he can slide into a starting role perhaps as soon as 2012.</p>
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<p>As with <span>Ziggy Hood</span>, another defensive end who the Steelers selected in the first round (in 2009, in Hood’s case), Heyward probably won’t have to contribute right away. But with Brett Keisel showing signs of age and Aaron Smith <i>really</i> showing signs of age, the Steelers will need him sooner rather than later, and he will fit in well in their defense. <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/rounds?&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2fdraft%2frounds"><span class="caps">ESPN</span> on Heyward</a>:</p>
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<p>The Steelers want physical two-gap players at this position who eat up blockers in space and let OLBs <span>LaMarr Woodley</span> and <span>James Harrison</span> make plays and Heyward fits this description. Pittsburgh is an organization that always seems to have a great handle on its future needs and seems to be one step ahead.</p>
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<p>Defensive end wasn’t the Steelers’ greatest area of need, but it <i>was</i> a concern that needed to be addressed, and they did so with a player who offered good value and will fit in well with the team. Also, as Pete Wilmoth pointed out while watching the draft, the speed with which the Steelers made the pick seems to indicate that they felt pretty certain about it. In the second and third rounds on Friday, the Steelers will surely need to take a cornerback, but hopefully the fact that Williams and Harris didn’t get taken in the first round might mean that a talented defensive back will slip to them.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/4/29/2141490/2011-nfl-draft-cameron-heyward-steelersCharlie Wilmoth2011-04-29T00:41:03-04:002011-04-29T00:41:03-04:002011 NFL Draft: An Entertaining And Surprise-Filled First Round Comes To An End
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<p>While we pen some articles about the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> first round draft pick, Cameron Heyward — from what you should know about the Ohio State defensive end’s background, to how he’ll fit into the Steelers’ defensive scheme — let’s take a quick look at the first 32 picks of the 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft. There were several picks early on that went as expected; there were some major surprises that followed; there was a major trade that saw a divisional opponent stock up on picks; and once the dust settled, there was one of the more well-rounded and genuinely nice young prospects in many years selected by the six-time Super Bowl champion Steelers.</p>
<p>Here’s the list of names called during Thursday night’s first round:</p>
<p>1. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> — <span>Cam Newton</span>, QB, Auburn<br>
2. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> — Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M<br>
3. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> — Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama<br>
4. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> — AJ Green, WR, Georgia<br>
5. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> — Patrick Peterson, CB, <span class="caps">LSU</span><br>
6. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> (via Cleveland) — Julio Jones, WR, Alabama<br>
7. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> — Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri<br>
8. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> — Jake Locker, QB, Washington<br>
9. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> — Tyron Smith, OT, <span class="caps">USC</span><br>
10. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> (via Washington) — Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri<br>
11. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> – J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin<br>
12. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> – Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State<br>
13. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> – Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn<br>
14. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> – Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina<br>
15. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> – Mike Pouncey, C, Florida<br>
16. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> (via Jacksonville) – Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue<br>
17. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> – Nate Solder, OT, Colorado<br>
18. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> – Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois<br>
19. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> – Prince Amukamara, DB, Nebraska<br>
20. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> – Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa<br>
21. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> (via Kansas City via Atlanta) — Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor<br>
22. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> — Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College<br>
23. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> — Danny Watkings, OG, Baylor<br>
24. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> — Cameron Jordan, DE, California<br>
25. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> — James Carpenter, OT, Alabama<br>
26. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>** — Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh<br>
27. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>** — Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado<br>
28. New Orleans Saints (via New England) — Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama<br>
29. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> — Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin<br>
30. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> — Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple<br>
31. Pittsburgh Steelers — Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State<br>
32. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> — Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State</p>
<ul>
<li>Kansas City swapped places with Baltimore as a result of the Ravens failing to get their pick in a time.</li>
</ul>
<p>Stay tuned here and at <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com" target="new">Behind the Steel Curtain</a> for more 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft updates and analysis throughout tonight, tomorrow, and the remainder of the weekend.</p>
<p>Go Steelers!</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/4/29/2141473/2011-nfl-draft-first-round-results-best-picks-grades-surprises-steelersMichael Bean2011-04-28T23:51:10-04:002011-04-28T23:51:10-04:002011 NFL Draft Results: Pitt's Jon Baldwin Selected In First Round, Headed To Chiefs
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<p>Pitt’s Jon Baldwin was able to shrug off all the criticism about his work ethic, the questions from fans about his not being ready for the <span class="caps">NFL</span>, and despite a substandard junior season, was still taken as a first-round pick Thursday night.</p>
<p>More than anything else, Baldwin was taken based on his potential and his prototypical wide receiver body. At 6-foot-5, he’s the perfect big target for <span class="caps">NFL</span> quarterbacks.</p>
<p>Baldwin is headed to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, which should be a good fit for him. He’ll team up with 1,000-yard receiver <span>Dwayne Bowe</span>, and should have a chance to start next season if he can beat out veteran <span>Chris Chambers</span>. He’s also working with a veteran quarterback in Matt Cassel. That, along with the presence of a big-time reciever such as Bowe will only help Baldwin have a smooth transition. He’ll have some time to ease into the role without having a ton of pressure on him immediately.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cardiachill.com/" target="new">For more analysis, check out SB Nation Pitt blog Cardiac Hill</a>.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-steelers/2011/4/28/2141344/2011-nfl-draft-results-mock-draft-pitt-football-jon-baldwin-first-round-nfl-draft-historyAnson Whaley