2013 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers select Michigan State RB Le’Veon Bell No. 48 overall
By Matt Shetler
The board was wide open for the Pittsburgh Steelers when it was their turn to select with the No. 48 overall pick and they addressed their need at running back by selecting Michigan State running back Le’Veon Bell.
Nov 24, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Michigan State Spartans running back Le
The choice of Bell was interesting with the likes of Eddie Lacy, Jonathan Franklin and Montee Ball still on the board, along with receivers such as Keenan Allen, but the Steelers brass elected to reach for Bell, a back they possibly could have gotten a round later.
The Michigan State product is a quality back who is coming off of a year in which he rushed for 1,793 yards and 12 touchdowns on 382 carries.
He’s clearly the best power back in the draft, something the Steelers have liked in the past.
Bell is a very strong back with tremendous balance, and punishes defenders with his physical running style. He has great size and is a capable receiver out of the backfield.
I’m not crazy about his lack of breakaway speed and he’s not the best decision maker running the football. There are also concerns when it comes to pass protection.
That being said, I like the fit of Bell in a Steelers uniform, although I would have preferred it come a round later.
There were other better fits on the board in my mind, but I think Steelers fans will be happy with the selection, even though it was a bit of a reach with the 48th pick.