AlDe2356 legally changed his last name to "Rooney" before making this pick. That's how much this mock draft means to him. Gotta respect that kind of commitment.
Despite the fact that the Steelers went to the Super Bowl last year, they do have some glaring needs.
Many people are saying that the Steelers should look to draft an offensive lineman in the first round. I disagree. I think their OL issues stemmed mostly from health problems they had towards the end of the year. In the first four games of the year, when Ben Roethlisberger was out, the OL was opening up holes for the run game. The Steelers actually managed to win the first four games of the year with Charlie Batch under center. That said, the Steelers' offensive line isn’t perfect and they could use an upgrade. Both Derrick Sherrod and Nate Solder would be good picks. Unfortunately in this mock, both of those guys are gone, and there just isn’t anyone left who would be good value at 31.
Last season, the Steelers' secondary was the weakest part of their defense. At cornerback, the starters were Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, and William Gay. Ike Taylor is a serviceable, above average cornerback. He is good in coverage, and can cover the other team’s number 1 option. Unfortunately, Ike is 31 and a free agent this summer. I think many Pittsburgh fans wish Bryant McFadden had stayed in Arizona, and William Gay should not be anything more than a nickel...ever. While the Steelers have an amazing beast at safety in Troy Polamalu, he just turned 30 yesterday and has been prone to injury in recent years. The Steelers' free safety is...well, who knows? It's hard to find an article that actually mentions Ryan Clark.
So without much further ado, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Rahim Moore (FS--UCLA). Moore is a guy who fits the Steelers organization. He was a team captain and a highly productive player in college. He was a Thorpe Award semi-finalist. In 2009, he led the nation with 10 interceptions. He brings Moore (get it?) playmaking to the Steelers' secondary and will help make a scary Steelers defense even scarier.
Other players considered: Aaron Williams, Ben Ijalana, Ras-I Dowling.
I reckon there will be at least some of us that are fans of this pick. What do you think?
The 2011 BRB Mock Draft will officially close up shop at 4 p.m. CDT today when HoustonTransplant's pick for the Green Bay Packers is published. We'll likely then have a look-back post tomorrow or Friday so everyone can chime in with their thoughts on the entire draft, which picks they liked the most, which picks they liked the least, and any other mock-related thoughts. Stay tuned.