2013 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Pick Up Where They Left Off in Rounds 2 and 3


Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking better and better as the 2013 NFL Draft goes along. The Steelers spent the second day of the draft selecting running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Markus Wheaton. Both players will fill much-needed holes in Pittsburgh’s roster.

As of right now, the Steelers have addressed three of the five positions that I have considered top priority for the team. In yesterdays first round, Pittsburgh snagged the nation’s leading sacker Jarvis Jones. In addition to this great selection, the Steelers managed to ink a deal with unrestricted free agent running back LaRod Stephens-Howling prior to drafting Bell and Wheaton.

Though linebacker, running back and wide receiver are taken care of, there is still need for a safety, a tight end and possibly a nose tackle.

Safety could be the Steelers’ next position to focus on with the 115th overall pick in the fourth round. Play-making safeties such as Shamarko Thomas and Shawn Williams could be possibilities.

However, the high quality tight ends are becoming scarce. In the second and third rounds of the draft, four very productive tight ends were taken. This will make it difficult for Pittsburgh to target one that will fit their offensive scheme. Going after another receiver could be an alternative.

As for nose tackle, one should be pursued simply because Steve McLendon is the only talent the Steelers have at that position. Veteran Casey Hampton is gone, and Alameda Ta’amu is still a work in progress.

Pittsburgh has brilliantly made moves throughout the first two days of the draft. However, it is in the later rounds that things have to be evaluated more closely. There could be a number of diamonds in the rough at this point in the draft, and finding them won’t be an easy task.

The way things are going for the Steelers, I think it’s safe to say that they will go after exactly what is needed and will end the 2013 NFL Draft with a bang.

Clyde A. Speller  is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller, or add him to your network on Google

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