The Steelers complete the 2013 Draft addressing all the pressing needs.

Today was a football filled day for me and the kid as we hit the 3rd junior day visit of the month and the second visit with college coaches in as many days. Hence the reason I couldn’t be in person at the Draft this year. Priorities.

Today the Steelers nabbed safety Shamarko Thomas from Syracuse. The kid liked this pick. He’s a little small for my taste, but I guess size isn’t everything. He’s got great athleticism and he plays tough. Exactly what the Steelers need. He lost both his parents while in college and cares for his siblings. He’ll learn the Steelers complex defense and be a great back up to Troy. Of course, that’s if Troy stays healthy. If not, look to him to start. At least he’ll be able to cover deep and support against the run. I think this is a good pick for the Steelers.

In addition to Thomas, the Steelers also landed a backup QB in the 4th round, Landry Jones from Oklahoma. He’s 6’4″ and 225lbs. Seems to be a stand up guy. He’s married to his college sweetheart who was just drafted by the WNBA (Whitney Hand) and who played ball with Ben’s little sister. So the connection seems to be there and it’s time for Ben to share his experience and knowledge with a new kid. I don’t know much about him, but when the kid found out that’s who the Steelers drafted, he said, “My mannnzzz” which I have learned is a complement?! So, the kid liked the pick. I have seen comments from various members of Steeler Nation who are NOT happy with this pick. From what I can see it’s not too bad. Time will tell. We need a viable backup who can learn and play in the Steelers offense. From the negative I have read on him from scouting reports, seems like a little confidence and a mentor will work wonders.

In the 5th round, the Steelers add to the secondary with Illinois DB Terry Hawthorne. He’s a press corner. What? Yeah, I know we haven’t seen one of those in a while, right? (OK, sorry Ike, I vaguely remember when you didn’t give up much on your side). Hawthorne has the ability to create plays and can stick to most teams top wide receivers. His downside? Not much. He’ll need to learn the complex Lebeau defense and that might take a while, but it will be fun this year to watch him in training camp against Brown, Sanders and the WR vets. (Sadly, seems like yesterday when Brown and Sanders were rookies, carrying Hines pads, but I digress!) He’s a decent pick at corner and could even compete to start. Guess we’ll see what happens.

With the 187th pick, the Steelers selected Justin Brown. At 6’3″ I think we all collectively salivated at the thought of a tall physical receiver on the field. Former Penn State player, he spent one season in Oklahoma following all the drama at my alma mater. He joins former Oklahoma team mate and WB Landry at the Steelers. Part of a grand plan? hmmm…..Guess we’ll see. Can’t wait to see what this kid can do on the field.

The Steelers also selected LB Vince Williams, from Florida State. I have to admit, I was hoping the Steelers would take Mauti here. But they didn’t. And then the Vikings did. But back to Williams. Honestly, don’t know much about him. He’s the second LB taken in the draft by the Steelers, and at this late spot, not sure what happens. He’s 6’1″ and 233 lbs and provides some depth at the position, IF he makes the 53 man roster. I’m still a little sad to see Mauti go to the Vikings.

With the final pick of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected DT Nick Williams from Samford in Alabama. So, looking at all the reports, looks like he was undervalued. He was faster in the 40 and the shuttle, leading his position at the combine. He’s a gamble, but he had 8 sacks in 2012 and that’s a big number for a DT. He played basketball for most of his life and was lightly recruited in football coming out of high school. At 6’5″ and 309, he’s a big boy. (comparatively my kid is 6’4″ and 180 barely)

Well, there you have it Steeler Nation.

The only thing I don’t think we really addressed was TE, but perhaps with 5 on the roster it’s handled? I don’t know. Will anxiously await Heath’s return on that one.

But look forward to seeing these kids in pads and helmets in August.

Here we go.

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