Mel Kiper's Mock Draft has the Steelers taking...

[Dee Dub]

17-Ezekiel Ansah OLB BYU 6 ft 6 272

Analysis: If you could hand an exceptional physical talent with an extraordinarily high ceiling but plenty of development required to one defensive coordinator, whom would you choose ahead of Dick LeBeau? Ansah is a big-time athletic talent, a guy who at 270-plus pounds has the burst and top-end speed of a track star. He'll get comparisons to a player such as [URL="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13256/jason-pierre-paul"]Jason Pierre-Paul[/URL] between now and April, because his potential to be a star is there, but he needs coaching. The Steelers must get younger on defense, and Ansah makes sense given their track record of development.

Chance Warmack goes 7th overall to Arizona and Manti Te'o goes 8th to Buffalo.

[Slapstick]

I strongly doubt that a guard and an inside backer go in the top 10...

Not that they aren't the best players, but teams just do not pick that way...

[phillyesq]

All pre-combine, but from the mocks I've seen, it looks like there are going to be some pass rushing options available for the Steelers. I would hate to see the Steelers use a first round pick on a WR, but there also should be some options if they go that route, either at 17 or if they are able to drop back.

[RuthlessBurgher]

I strongly doubt that a guard and an inside backer go in the top 10...

Not that they aren't the best players, but teams just do not pick that way...

True, but we are talking about the Cardinals and Bills here.

[papillon]

Walter Football has him at 1.9
Gil Brandt has him at 1.12

After that he's anywhere from 1.19 to 1.28 in many mock drafts.

It seems he would fill an immediate need as a pass rushing specialist on 3rd down for the Steelers and would need to learn a bit about run defense. I'm not sure that D1ck Lebeau would replace Woodley or Harrison on 3rd down for a rookie. He sounds like a freak, but it's unlikely he has any impact on the Steelers in the upcoming year.

One of these guys Jonathan Hankins, Chance Warmack, John Jenkins, Cordarrelle Patterson or Jesse Williams should be available at 1.17 and could potentially have an immediate impact at a position (NT, WR, LG) of need in the upcoming year.

Pappy

[bowldog]

I would like to see us draft a pass rushing OLB for a change, he can stop the run on the way the qb. We are in a passing era and we need to able to pressure the qb on all downs.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Although it would be weird having two guys named Ziggy on the same defense, I could see the Steeler brass drooling over the possibilities with this kid. With such natural ability, and so little experience playing the game (plus strong character as well), it seems like he would have limitless potential.

[Mister Pittsburgh]

It's insinuated in that write up that Dick Lebeau actually coaches up players. I don't think that happens. We were unable to develop quite a few DB's until Carnell Lake came on board. Lebeau is a hall of fame CB yet Willie Gay was dreadful and inconsistent until Lake got here. Seems like Keith Butler would be the one doing the coaching, Lebeau doing the scheming.

[BigRob]

17-Ezekiel Ansah OLB BYU 6 ft 6 272

Analysis: If you could hand an exceptional physical talent with an extraordinarily high ceiling but plenty of development required to one defensive coordinator, whom would you choose ahead of Dick LeBeau? Ansah is a big-time athletic talent, a guy who at 270-plus pounds has the burst and top-end speed of a track star. He'll get comparisons to a player such as [URL="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13256/jason-pierre-paul"]Jason Pierre-Paul[/URL] between now and April, because his potential to be a star is there, but he needs coaching. The Steelers must get younger on defense, and Ansah makes sense given their track record of development.

Chance Warmack goes 7th overall to Arizona and Manti Te'o goes 8th to Buffalo.

I could live with this.

[Jooser]

Sounds like a guy cut out of the Timmons mold. I wonder if, given his speed and athleticism, he could be converted to play opposite Lawrence in the middle?

[papillon]

It's insinuated in that write up that Dick Lebeau actually coaches up players. I don't think that happens. We were unable to develop quite a few DB's until Carnell Lake came on board. Lebeau is a hall of fame CB yet Willie Gay was dreadful and inconsistent until Lake got here. Seems like Keith Butler would be the one doing the coaching, Lebeau doing the scheming.

Well, in that case, I guess we should give Lebeau credit for developing Troy, Ike and Clark over the past few years if we're going to blame him for Willie Gay. Not to mention, wouldn't it be the secondary coach's job to develop the corners and safeties?

Pappy

[supersteeler]

Some Steelers fans are in Love with Lacy but read this.

Analysis
STRENGTHS:

Has the leg drive to push the pile and keeps his legs churning through contact, often resulting in broken tackles. Lacey reads his blocks nicely, showing enough lateral agility to avoid defenders as well as the burst to stick his foot in the ground and accelerate through gaps quickly.


He's a well-built back, but shows good balance (including an often-used spin move) and athleticism (leaping ability) to surprise defenders anticipating that all he has is power. Runs tough and determined with an angry attitude to finish each run and pick up positive yardage.


WEAKNSESSES: Needs to stay healthy as he's been hampered at times with foot injuries (ankle sprains, turf toe). Put the ball on the ground a few times early in his career, but improved in this area.


COMPARES TO: Michael Bush, RB, Chicago Bears - Both have the power to run over defenders while also possessing surprisingly fluid feed for their big frames.

[Mister Pittsburgh]

Well, in that case, I guess we should give Lebeau credit for developing Troy, Ike and Clark over the past few years if we're going to blame him for Willie Gay. Not to mention, wouldn't it be the secondary coach's job to develop the corners and safeties?

Pappy

Not sure I follow your point. That's exactly what I said. The position coaches are the ones coaching the players. Lebeau is not a position coach but a coordinator.

[papillon]

Not sure I follow your point. That's exactly what I said. The position coaches are the ones coaching the players. Lebeau is not a position coach but a coordinator.

Just a classic case of illiteracy on my part and the failure of the RIF program when I was kid.



Pappy

[Ghost]

Steelers need a home run in round one. Not a project. Hood and Heyward are serviceable but it'd nice to have a little bit more than that.