Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 Draft Recap and Grades

Round Two Le’Von Bell – RB Michigan State

Dec. 29, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Le

The Steelers definitely needed some help at running back. I like Bell in this spot. At first, I was chomping at the bit for them to take Eddie Lacy from Alabama, but the more I watched tape of Bell, the more I felt that Pittsburgh made the right choice.

He basically carried Michigan State last year. He is a throwback to the old days with “The Bus” grinding out yards with those quick feet of his. Bell is also adept at catching the ball out of the backfield which means the Steelers no longer have to bring in a running back that can catch on third downs. They have one in Bell. I thought this was the best pick in the Steelers draft. Grade- A

Round Three- Markus Wheaton-WR- Oregon State
The Mike Wallace comparisons have already begun, and I’m hoping for the Steelers sake they are inaccurate.

Wheaton has speed, there’s no doubt about that, but as Steelers fans saw with Wallace, it takes more than just pure speed to be successful in the NFL. Wheaton most definitely has speed, but his route running will have to be much better than Wallace for him to be the complete receiver the Steelers need.

One of the key elements that Steeler receivers need, is to be able to block down field when they don’t have the ball. In order to do that, Wheaton must add some size to his 6’0 180 pound frame in order to do so. He is in no way shape or form afraid to mix it up with defenders. Quite simply, he currently lacks the strength to do so. That can be fixed. His vertical leap is not that impressive, and he needs to do a better job of coming back to the football when it is not thrown directly to him. He did develop more each year in college, and if he is able to continue to learn and add some size, in a year or two, Steelers fans might be saying “Mike Who? “ Grade- C

Round Four-1st Pick- Shamarko Thomas S- Syracuse
The last time I checked, there is no height requirement to play safety in the NFL. However, at 5’8, Thomas is going to have a hard time making “slash plays” in the NFL. He is a tenacious hitter who can help support stopping the run with a fierceness that Steelers fans will love. My concern is the lack of height. Receivers in the NFL are usually 6’0″ or higher and can jump like it’s nobody’s business. I can see him contributing out of the gate on special teams, but as far as becoming a starter in this league, it’s going to be a work in progress. I just can’t see him contributing in any meaningful way other than special teams. Grade-D

Round 4-2nd Pick-Landry Jones-QB- Oklahoma
While this pick signifies the end of the Charlie Batch Era, I’m really not sure of this pick, especially in this round. While Jones will not see the field in a regular season game anytime soon, (at least Steeler Fans better hope not or that means the ship is going down!) is he the one who can even be a reliable No. 2 until Big Ben hangs up his cleats and walks off to the Hall of Fame?

I don’t believe he is. The kid has a strong-arm, of that there is no debate. His problem is he thinks that arm strength can get the ball to places it should not be thrown. His field vision and his ability to make his progressions through his receivers are severely lacking. Did we need a No. 3 quarterback to groom? Yes. Did we have to reach this high for Landry Jones? No… Grade- D-