Pittsburgh Steelers: Grading the 2013 rookie class
By Matt Shetler
Shamarko Thomas (fourth round)
Aug 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Shamarko Thomas (29) gestures on the field before playing the New York Giants at Heinz Field. The New York Giants won 18-13. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
I have liked what I have seen from the Syracuse safety to this point. Due to injury, Thomas has been asked to fill in at nickel back on many occasions, which is nearly unheard-of for a college strong safety. He has responded to the challenge though, putting together a decent rookie season.
He has shown both athleticism and speed and has the look of a guy who could step in as a starting safety in the near future if either Ryan Clark or Troy Polamalu are let go. Grade: B
Landry Jones (fourth round)
I’m still scratching my head over this pick. Jones has been inactive for every game and will continue to do so unless something happens to Ben Roethlisberger. Jones isn’t the quarterback of the future for the Steelers, so reaching on him in the fourth round still makes very little sense. Targeting a position of need here could have been more helpful. Grade: F
Terry Hawthorne (fifth round)
The cornerback out of Illinois didn’t make the Steelers roster out of camp. Grade: F
Justin Brown (sixth round)
The wide receiver out of Penn State did not make the roster out of camp. Brown is on the Steelers practice squad, but had the look of a guy during camp that I wouldn’t expect much out of. Grade: F
Vince Williams (sixth round)
I liked this pick when it was made and the undersized linebacker out of Florida State has worked his way into the starting lineup. Williams has made his share of mistakes, but is getting better and more comfortable week by week. He is currently tied for fourth on the Steelers team with 27 total tackles. Williams may not be the long-term answer, but is starting to look like a competent middle linebacker. Grade: B-
Nicholas Williams (seventh round)
The defensive end out of Samford did not make the roster out of camp. Grade: F
The NFL Draft is not an exact science and it is far too early to give up on many of these guys, but it looks as if Colbert’s trend of having a lot more misses than hits could continue.