Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
With two aging safeties in the defensive starting lineup, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally added some much-needed youth to their secondary. With their fourth pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Steelers picked Shamarko Thomas out of Syracuse University.
Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark definitely have a couple more productive years to give the Steelers, but drafting someone like Thomas couldn’t have come at a better time. The First-Team All-Big East selection is a hard-hitting strong safety that isn’t afraid to play near the line of scrimmage, and is one of the fastest safeties in the draft.
Not only does Thomas add youth, but he also adds depth to the safety position. Behind Polamalu and Clark, Pittsburgh only has Robert Golden and Damon Cromartie-Smith on the depth chart. Both Golden and Cromartie-Smith, who have combined for just 11 tackles in their career, lack experience, and Thomas could give them some healthy competition.
What is most impressive about Thomas is his character. He has endured great tragedy early in his collegiate career with losing both of his parents prior to his sophomore season. Despite this, Thomas still found a way to succeed.
Though Thomas will more than likely not start in his rookie season, learning behind Polmalu and Clark should have him ready to step in within the next couple of years as a starter. Even with Polamalu’s recent injury problems, Thomas could be good enough to fill in if needed.
With the addition of Thomas and first-round pick Jarvis Jones, the future of the Steelers’ defense looks very promising.
Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller, or add him to your network on Google
