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Days one and two of the 2013 NFL draft were loaded with excitement. In fact, it might have been the most interesting three rounds I’ve ever covered. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the first three rounds of the draft returned what could be three starters if not as rookies, very early in his career. Going into day three, I think fans were energized by what they had seen up to this point and were very anxious to see if the Steelers could maintain the momentum from Thursday and Friday.
And for the most part, they did just that. Through a trade the Steelers acquired an extra day three pick, making a deal with the Cleveland Browns, so that they could pull in some additional talent this year. And like the headline says, there were ups and downs in the final four rounds, but I had to admit the ups outweighed the downs.
The big wins on today were Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas, who was the player selected with the additional fourth round pick, and Illinois cornerback Terry Hawthorne in the fifth round. The Steelers secondary needed help and they got it with Thomas and Hawthorne. Both players slid a little due primarily from the depth at their respective positions, but make no mistake, both these young men are starters in waiting.
Then you have the next group of guys who are going to be contributors, and have starting potential, but might be more long-term players. Florida State linebacker Vince Williams, Oklahoma wide receiver Justin Brown and Samford defensive lineman Nick Williams are all very interesting choices. Some have criticized the Steelers choice to double dip on wide receivers with other needs, but Brown’s value likely lies in his ability to return kicks. However, that doesn’t mean the Steelers passing offense can’t use his long frame and excellent hands as a possession type receiver as well. Williams is a pure two down thumper at inside linebacker. With his size he looks the part of a SILB, and his aggressive nature and all out effort with certainly endear him to the coaching staff. The other Williams is a very raw player who hasn’t grown into his own body yet. The Steelers will need to determine whether he’s better off beefing up and playing the nose, or trimming down a little to provide depth at defensive end. All three of these players could impact the team, even if only on special teams right off the bat.
And finally, we have the pick of Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones. I have been vocal about wanting the Steelers to draft a quarterback this year. The debacle last season, when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was injured, is still hard to deal with. But when I made a list of potential quarterbacks, Jones wasn’t on it. This is hard to say as a lifelong Sooners fan, but I’m just not sure if Jones has the mental makeup to be an NFL quarterback. I sincerely hope that he proves me wrong, but for now, I’m more than a little disappointed in the selection, but respect the choice to draft a quarterback.
All in all, I think the Steelers did very well. I hate to jinx it, but I can see this class fielding four starters down the road, probably within three years. That would be a huge success in my book.
Curt covers the Pittsburgh Steelers, the NFL draft, and college football for Rant Sports. Connect with Curt on Twitter @nfldraftboard.
