On the Clock: Pittsburgh Steelers

For the next few hours leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 31st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select…

Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor (6’3” 310 lbs)



"Babyface"



We nailed our first round pick last year with a stud interior lineman and we nail it again with Watkins.  He isn’t the type of player that attracts attention like the Cam Newton’s of the world and you might even forget his name by this time next week, but he will be a pro bowl player for multiple years.

“Babyface” is a mauler who is going to get in your face and drive you back.  Baylor has obviously produced some impressive lineman this year, offensively and defensively, and Watkins will anchor it.  The player who comes to mind that is similar to “Babyface” is Logan Mankins.  Same type of underrated ability coming out of college that people quickly become familiar with.

The only two players we are looking at in the 2ndround are Chimdi Chekwa and Marcus Gilchrist.  Both are undersized, fast corners who could possibly replace Ike Taylor.  I’m going to go get the best corner available, but that doesn’t mean I won’t look to trade back and get some extra picks.

Green Bay is on the clock…