11 More Days until the 24th Overall Pick...

24 Bobby Massie, OL Ole Miss- Tomlin and Colbert have said quite a few times how they have concerns over Sanders and Colon's health.  They also have said the OG position is very deep in this draft.  See my post re: that and youll understand these 1st 2 picks.  Massie fits what Tomlin wants in an OL to a T.  Junior, strong, position flexible, over 6'5 300, and played in the SEC.

56 Brandon Brooks, OL Miami, OH- here's Kemoeatu's replacement.  He's just as big, just as mobile when trapping, and has the same demeanor... but he keeps his in check between the whistles.  We attended his pro day, and invited him in for a private workout.  He's said to be the 1st player that wasnt invited to the Combine to be drafted.  And think back to the first time Tomlin drafted similar positions with the first 2 picks... yeah, that was a great idea.

86 Josh Chapman, NT Alabama- a true NT that played in the most difficult defense to learn and play- Bama.  He played through a minor ACL tear, but recently got the ok by the doctors to be at camp on time.  With the oline taken care of we need to address the NT position and line up the heir apparent to Hampton.  Chapman can spell Casey through this year, and take over in 2013.  I will say this- IF Mike Martin is somehow still on the board, Martin is the pick.  Mike has the ability and history to have more position flexibility than Josh, and that means a lot to Tomlin.  But Im being realistic here, and assuming Mike is gone.  They are 1 and 1A.

119 Ronnie Hillman, RB San Diego State- Mendenhill's injury and play along with our depth at RB inexperience almost forces us to draft a RB.  Of the half dozen he seem to be interested, the 1 common thread is- scat back.  Hillman can drop to another gear altogether to get separation, while not doing the 1 thing Mendy did too often- spinning.  Hillman has a very quick twitch juke.  We attended his pro day.

159 TY Hilton WR Florida International- Hilton is a blazing fast WR that is familiar with running the route tree.  He is also a weapon returning kicks and punts.  We lost Hines this year, Tomlin and Co have questions re: Sanders health, and we'll probably lose Wallace in 2013.  Tomlin plans ahead with 2 WRs in this draft.  His nagging hamstring could raise red flags.  He had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

193 Keith Tandy, DB WVU- we spoke to him at the Combine, went to his pro day, and recently worked him out at our facility.  Tandy plays best in off man or zone coverage with considerable speed to cover and close, and a 38 in verticle.  He can also play FS if needed.  As far as run support/closing speed, check this out:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CImb4SbdQGc  Tandy is 1 of 3 DBs weve shown interest in, all of which at 5'10 under 200 and versatile to play CB, FS and SS.

246 Akiem Hicks, DL Regina-  Hicks is a transfer from LSU.  At 6'5 320 he played thru the defensive line at Regina, but will probably fit best as a 5 tech with us.  However, throw another 10-15 pounds on him, and he can back up Martin for the next 10 years, like Hampton had Hoke, MM would have Hicks.  He had a fantastic East/West game.  He was a recent invite for a personal workout.


248 Jerrell Harris, LB Alabama- Formerly the ILB before Hightower moved in.  Though Harris was so valuable that Saban took advantage of his flexibility and moved him outside.  He has the build Tomlin prefers for an ILB more than an OLB.  After reading this morning that Sly is on a new training regimen and has lost 15 lbs, Im betting Harris is the only LB we draft as a backup, taking over Sly's spot in Special Teams.  Harris was recently invited for a private workout.

246 David Paulson, TE Oregon- A pure pass catching threat as a TE.  The signing of Pope allows this to happen.  I still bet we target FS and TE in the 2013 draft as David will have a chance to compete with Saunders (out the first 4 weeks) and DJ for a 3rd TE.

248 Toney Clemons, WR Colorado- Here is this years Antonio Brown.  A former no-name that has quietly climbed up the draft board, if only enough to be considered a draft pick and not just a UDFA.  Toney is a Michigan transfer, and while Colorado was pretty much junk this year, it certainly doesnt look to be his fault.  At 6'2 he'd be the tallest WR in our corps, but its his 4.37 40 along with my recent findings that hes a local kid.  Raised in New Kensington, PA.  Tomlin has a place in his heart for local kids.  See Mundy, Shipley, etc.  He had a private workout at Steelers HQ.