2011 NFL Mock Draft: After Drafting OC in 2010, Steelers Go OT in Ben Ijalana

March 23, 2011   ·   Eric Galko   ·   Jump to comments

Last year, the Steelers had to solve their right tackle hole by signing Cowboys cut Flozell Adams, who did a very surprisingly adequate job as a run blocking right tackle. However, Adams is far past his prime and shouldn't be looked at as their answer to that same question for next year.

Ben Ijalana of Villanova is the top small school prospect on many boards, and even though he played left tackle in college, he has more than adequate pass protection skills and the quick feet as a run blocker down field to be a great right tackle long term in the NFL.

The Steelers could go best player available, as that is their general mantra, as well as trade down if a team wants to get into the first for a quarterback like Colin Kaepernick, Ryan Mallett, or Christian Ponder.