I was perusing Todd McShay's latest mock draft, which is locked firmly behind ESPN's Insider wall, and was surprised to find not one, but two players from Philadelphia colleges projected to go in the first round. At #31 he has the Steelers taking Villanova OT Ben Ijalana.
↵"Ijalana is an under-the-radar FCS prospect, but he possesses good physical tools and a lot of upside. A lack of depth along the offensive line was an issue for the Steelers in 2010, and assuming Ijalana's nagging minor injuries have healed, he could add depth while preparing for a full-time starting job."
↵The Wildcats aren't the only local to have a first round prospect as McShay has Temple's Muhammad Wilkerson going one pick later to the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.
↵"Wilkerson has impressive size and overall power and would be a very good fit as a 5-technique in defensive coordinator Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme. He can stack and shed against the run and is a power pass-rusher with active hands."
↵It's not uncommon for these schools to both have first round picks in the NBA draft, but off the top of my head I can't say as though I remember the last time (if ever) both Temple and Villanova had first round picks in the NFL draft...
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