Alameda Ta'amu, one of the top defensive prospects in this year's NFL Draft, is projected to be a second or third round pick.
NFL Draft Guru Mel Kiper Jr. from ESPN thinks the Steelers will draft Ta'amu in the third round of the draft:
I'm projecting the Pittsburgh Steelers 1st 3 picks to be ILB Dont'a Hightower (rd 1) RT/OG Kelechi Osemele (rd 2) & NT Alameda Ta'Amu (rd 3)
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) April 6, 2012
The Steelers hold the No. 86 overall pick in the third round.
The former Washington Huskies standout started all 13 games in his senior season at defensive tackle and was named to the All-Pac-12 honorable mention team.
Ta'amu's 6'3" and 347lb frame has scouts pegging him as an ideal nose tackle in the NFL. Ta'amu's best strength at the next level will be his run-stopping ability. He was once considered a first round pick prior to the 2011 season, but his lack of athleticism and quickness was exposed in his senior year, effectively lowering his draft stock.
Other possible destinations for Ta'amu include the San Diego Chargers, the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs.
For more analysis on Ta'amu check out UW Dawg Pound. To discuss his possible fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers, head over to Behind the Steel Curtain.