After beating the Browns on Sunday, the Steelers have settled into the 17th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
The Steelers are facing some tough decisions this off-season. With salary cap problems looming, they’re faced with possibly letting their number one receiver and running back go. Mike Wallace is likely to test the waters of free agency, along with Rashard Mendenhall. It seems unlikely that either will be back with the team next season.
The team will look to address needs on both sides of the ball, particularly on the defensive side. With players like Casey Hampton, Troy Polamalu, and James Harrison getting up there in age, the Steel Curtain could use some polishing. I look for them to address needs at safety, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, and defensive end. Also, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Steelers add playmakers at offensive tackle, wide receiver, and running back.
Here’s a quick look and break down of some possibilities for this year’s draft.
1st Round: Barkevious Mingo – OLB/DE, LSU
If the Saints don’t pick him up, I like Mingo here at 17. Mingo is strong, fast hybrid type player who gets after anyone with the ball. He is very instinctive and goes after the ball. He’s very raw and would learn quite a bit from a guy like Harrison. He could line up at defensive end or linebacker and make plays.
2nd Round: Phillip Thomas – DB, Fresno St.
Thomas might just be the sleeper of the draft on defense. He’s very athletic and could come in to play corner or safety. He has a nose for the ball. He led the FBS in interceptions with 8 and returned 3 of those for touchdowns. He could provide depth behind an injury prone Polamalu.
3rd Round: Ricky Wagner – OT, Wisconsin
Wagner would be a solid pick for the offensive line in the 3rd round. With Mike Adams seeming sketchy as of late, Wagner could fill some holes on the line. He could play left or right tackle. He could even move into guard if need be. He has good footwork and decent athleticism.
4th Round: Cory Grissom – DT, USF
As long as Grissom is healthy, he could prove to be a force in the middle of any defensive line. He has quick feet and is able to blow up running plays. His ankle injury a season ago could allow him to fall into the Steelers lap in the 4th round.
5th Round: Cierre Wood – RB, ND
Wood is an underrated homerun threat. At 6’0” 215 pounds, he has good size. He can be a speedster or he can lower his shoulder and hit you like a truck. He is a physical back and could be just what the Steelers need.
6th Round: Marquees Wilson – WR, Utah St.
Wilson could help if Mike Wallace is gone. He is lengthy and speedy. He has strong hands and a great body. He would fit in good with the Steelers’ receivers. He likes to go deep and track down balls in jump ball situations.
7th Round: Meshak Williams – DE, Kansas State
He doesn’t have ideal size for a defensive end, but he has great skills at getting at the quarterback. He is physical with his hands and he’s quick off the edge. If needed, he could drop back to linebacker but he is best at rushing the passer.
Some of these picks might seem like a stretch, but he Steelers have been known to make some stretches on draft day. With the list of possible free agents on this roster, the draft could go in several different directions.
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