NFL Draft Day 2 Buzz: Steelers draft OT Mike Adams in second round

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams (6-7, 323 lbs) with their second round pick, the No. 56 overall selection.

Adams a first round talent fell into the second round due to character concerns as he tested positive for marijuana at the combine.

In addition to testing positive for marijuana at the combine, he was suspended for two games in 2009 for violating team rules, and was cited in January of 2009 for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia after being stopped by police for running a stop sign. Charges were eventually dropped as the cop ruled Adams was smoking a pipe with tobacco. In 2011, Adams was one of five players suspended for first five games of 2011 season for receiving benefits from a tattoo parlor owner.

The Steelers had a first round grade on Adams and did a ton of homework on him leading into the draft.

11:05 A.M. –The Pittsburgh Steelers had a big first day in the NFL Draft, landing the top guard in the draft class in David DeCastro who the team had rated as a top-15 pick, top-10 player in this draft.

In addressing their biggest need, DeCastro gives the Steelers a potential dominant 1-2 punch inside with Maurkice Pouncey and the addition of DeCastro who is widely expected to make an immediate impact should help Pouncey, who despite all his accolades had a down year in 2011.

With Pouncey, DeCastro and Ramon Foster inside, if Willie Colon can stay healthy and Marcus Gilbert makes a smooth transition to left tackle, the Steelers could very well have a top-10 line in the NFL.

Despite adressing their biggest need at guard in Round 1, offensive line at the tackle and even the guard position to a lesser extent is said to be very much on the Steelers radar today.

The notable positions to watch for Pittsburgh tonight is Offensive line, Defensive Tackle, Linebacker and Running back. It would be a surprise if the Steelers didn’t address two of those four positions tonight.

A sleeper position is cornerback if the right player falls.

Overall, there is excellent value still on the board and the Steelers have a great chance to pick up at least one more impact player and should get a second good one in the third round.

Among the players still on the board who the Steelers are high on and would be good value in the second round includes:

Tackles Bobby Massie, Ole Miss, Mike Adams, Ohio State, Guards Amini Silatolu, Midwestern State, Cordy Glenn, Georgia, Brandon Brooks, Miami Ohio,

Defensive tackles Devon Still, Penn State, Jerel Worthy, Michigan State, Derek Wolfe Cincinnati, Alameda Ta’Amu, Washington,

Linebacker Lavonte David, Nebraska, Mychal Kendricks, California

Running backs Isiah Pead, Cincinnati and Miami’s Lamar Miller.

A number of those players mentioned have first round grades by some. Running back Isiah Pead would be a stretch in the second round but he’s a back the Steelers are really intrigued about as the team is seeking explosive backs who can catch out of the backfield under Todd Haley. Running back though appears more likely in the third round but Miami’s Lamar Miller would be an intriguing piece to add in the second round.

— Mel Kiper Jr of ESPN has the Steelers selecting Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still in his second round mock draft and Scouts Inc has Pittsburgh selecting Cal inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks who Pittsburgh is said to love and the team would be thrilled to see him available at the No. 56 overall selection.

Still and Kendricks would be very good value in the second round. Of note, Kiper and Scouts Inc each have Ohio State tackle Mike Adams going late in the second round with Kiper having Adams slotted to the Giants at No. 63 and Scouts Inc has Adams going 58th overall to Houston. Pittsburgh will be tempted if Adams is still on the board in the second round.

On day two Pittsburgh has the 56th, 86th selections in the second and third round, respectively, followed by the 119th, 159th, 193rd, 231st, 240th, 246th, 248th selections in Day 3.

Notes:1st round pick David DeCastro will be introduced to the media at 3:00 p.m.