Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
On the heels of signing unrestricted free agent LaRod Stephens-Howling, the Pittsburgh Steelers used their 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft to select Michigan State running back Le’Veon Bell.
This selection can put to rest the speculation of adding unrestricted free agent running back Ahmad Bradshaw. Not only does this eliminate the possibility of signing Bradshaw, this could also lead to the release of current Steelers running back Baron Batch, who is buried on the depth chart.
Personally, I think it was wise to bring a rookie into the backfield. It will be cheaper to sign Bell versus coming to terms with a veteran. In addition, it gives the Steelers some youth at running back for at least a few years.
While playing in East Lansing, Bell displayed power while running the ball with his 6-2, 237-pound frame. Along with Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer, Pittsburgh will have a very physical backfield that loves to run downhill.
Bell is the second running back taken in this year’s draft, and is a good addition to the Steelers’ roster. I’m not knocking this selection by any means, but I do question why general manager Kevin Colbert didn’t go after Alabama running back Eddie Lacy.
Looking at the top running back prospects, Lacy was on the top of many lists. Just like Bell, Lacy is a physical back, and is possibly a bit faster than Bell.
Regardless of how I feel about Bell and Lacy, Colbert is doing a very good job thus far in the early part of this drafting process. The choices that Pittsburgh has made proves that year after year this organization knows exactly what to do when preparing for a new football season.
I can’t wait to see what is in store for the third round.
Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller, or add him to your network on Google
