2013 NFL Draft: Debate; Who Should the Pittsburgh Steelers select in the 1st Round
By Matt Shetler
With the 2013 NFL Draft just a few hours away from beginning, we will let the debate begin of who exactly the Pittsburgh Steelers should select with the No. 17 overall pick in the first round.
Here’s the logical choices:
Nov. 17, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert (80) catches a pass as Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Mike Olson (41) defends in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Eifert set a record for most catches by a Notre Dame tight end on the play. Notre Dame won 38-0. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: Jones was once the top rated defensive player in the draft. He’s fallen due to a health condition which has been cleared medically and a poor pre-draft workout. But he’s a guy who is explosive and led the nation in sacks, playing against the best competition in the nation. He’s a difference maker and could turn into the next great Steelers pass rusher.
Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame: Eifert is a new age tight end who would create matchup problems for opposing defense. He’s a good blocker and can stretch opposing defense out. Eifert is a guy that can play on the line or be split out. It may not seem like the Steelers need another tight end, but Eifert is a difference maker and a real weapon, something the Steelers lack. He can start from day one with Heath Miller injured and Eifert provides insurance in case Miller can’t be signed to a contract extension. But the real bonus would be that the Steelers can play the two tight ends together. Think about the problems the New England Patriots cause opposing defenses when they have Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez on the field at the same time.
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee: The Steelers need a big playmaking wide receiver and Patterson could be the best of the bunch. West Virginia’s Tavon Austin will likely be off the board when the Steelers turn comes, so Patterson would be the logical choice should they go wide receiver. Mike Wallace’s production must be replaced somehow and it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to get Ben Roethlisberger another weapon.
Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas: The Steelers need depth at safety and Vaccaro is the best of the bunch. He’s a hard hitting safety with great ball skills. There may not be immediate playing time for Vaccaro in the Steelers’ defense, but you never know how many games Troy Polamalu will be able to play or how much longer for that matter.
Trade Down: With so many holes to fill, trading down is always an option to acquire more picks. This draft is deep so quantity may be just as important as quality. There is a good chance all four players could be off the board by No. 17, so instead of reaching on a player, moving down may be the way to go.
Let your voice be heard. Vote for who the Steelers should select and let us know why in the comment section below.