2013 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers full seven round mock draft
By Matt Shetler
Round 4 (115): Ryan Swoope, WR, Texas A&M: I’m not so confident in the Steelers ability to sign Emmanuel Sanders long-term, nor do I feel it’s a great idea, which is why I’m targeting another wide receiver here. I only make this pick if Swoope is on the board, otherwise I way be tempted to go with Alabama inside linebacker Nico Johnson.
Swoope is a burner and can add the speed dimension back to the Steelers offense after losing it when Mike Wallace departed for the Miami Dolphins. He ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He’s a guy that doesn’t necessarily play to his speed as he is likely projected as a slot receiver, but he’s a hard worker and is a guy who can develop. Swope is physical and does a good job occupying soft spots in the defense on short, precise routes out of the slot. He also understands how to set up a defensive back for a double move to break free deep.
However if Tyrann Mathieu is still on the board here it would be tough to not pull the trigger.
Nov 3, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans safety T.J. McDonald (7) during the game against the Oregon Ducks at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Oregon defeated USC 62-51. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Round 5 (150): T.J. McDonald, S, USC: After addressing the need for weapons on the offensive side of the ball, it’s back to the defense as it’s time to add safety depth. McDonald is a physical as former USC safety Taylor Mays, but possesses a more well-rounded game.
He’s able to cover tight ends, has good range and ball skills and is a good blitzer from the safety spot. But his biggest asset is the fact that he is a big time physical hitter. McDonald struggles some in coverage and doesn’t have great technique, but has the ability to become a pretty solid safety.
Round 6 (186): Zac Dysert, QB, Miami (OH): It’s time to address the backup quarterback spot, something I fully expect the Steelers to do during this draft. With all of the talk about the top quarterbacks in the draft, the Steelers may be able to find themselves a gem in another Miami (OH) product. Dysert struggled in the Senior Bowl, but has a lot of traits to like.
Dysert has good size for the position and comes with very good pocket presence, poise and elusiveness. He has good arm strength to make any throw and has above average accuracy on the deep ball. In addition he has impressive mobility, can escape pressure. Does all of that sound familiar? It should as Dysert has been drawing comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger.
Round 6 (206): Micah Hyde, CB, Iowa: The Steelers can address cornerback depth here and Hyde could be one sleeper in this draft as he is flying under the radar right now. Hyde has good size for the position, and has good speed to go along with it. He is aggressive in defending the run and is not afraid to get physical against the opposition.
He also has the length and athleticism to be able to deflect passes and make picks, and more importantly is able to wrap up receivers downfield after the catch.
Round 7 (223): Nick Kasa, TE, Colorado: With their final pick, the Steelers can add some depth to the tight end position, which is needed with Heath Miller currently sidelined. Kasa is a project and likely won’t contribute much in 2013. At 6’6″, 269 pounds, he’s got great size for the tight end position but one of his main drawbacks is that he’s raw.
The former 5-star blue-chip recruit for Colorado started out at defensive end for the Buffs before switching to offense and excels in run blocking. It could take a year in the NFL to improve his route running and pass catching, but his physical potential is off the charts.