With The First Pick Releases Steelers 2012 Mock Draft

The boys over at FanSided’s With The First Pick have released their 7 Round mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Hightower certainly makes sense as their first pick – that’s assuming he’s still on the board by then.  I find the Lamar Miller pick in round two is an interesting one.  I guess anyone can make an argument that the Steelers could use a definitive starter at running back (although I’ve always said that Redman is just fine), but the Steelers have greater need at the offensive and defensive lines.  And, even if there is a really good running back in the second round available for the Steelers – in this case Miller – they also weigh in their needs within the first couple of rounds.  Highest value usually doesn’t fall into play until Rounds 3 and up.

OT Donald Stephenson is a good pick, but I would like to think there are better OT’s or OG’s left on the board in Round 2.  I really like the Jared Crick pick.  I doubt Dontari Poe will be available to the Steelers in any round, and Crick is a solid pick to begin grooming for the next year.  There is question as to whether he could fill ‘Big Snack’s’ shoes.  The picks in Rounds 5-7 also make sense as the Steelers have need for corner, wide out, and quarterback.  The Steelers’ secondary is getting better, the wide receiving core is strong (with or without Wallace), and Big Ben will be around for quite some time.  But this is where the Steelers’ genius comes into play by picking great value players late in the draft.  The need in those three areas is not immediate, but it makes sense to take some swings out there and nab the highest valued player and see what they can do over the next year or two.

What do the rest of you think of Mr. Bartolis’ picks?