2013 NFL Offseason: Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents
Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Year: 8-8)
2013 NFL Draft Grade: A-
Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.
Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: The Steelers lost a number of key veterans this offseason like James Harrison, Keenan Lewis, Willie Colon, Rashard Mendenhall and Mike Wallace. They need to replace those departed players. Of course, they won't reach to fill these holes; Pittsburgh, as it always does, will take advantage of the dumb teams drafting in front of them and catch falling prospects.
2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Sure enough, Pittsburgh's front office laughed as the top pass-rusher in this class, Jarvis Jones, fell right into its lap at No. 17. It's amazing that despite being designed to help the lesser teams, all the NFL Draft does is strengthen the superior ones.
The Steelers had a number of outstanding selections. Markus Wheaton, considered a second-round prospect, could be a worthy replacement for Mike Wallace despite being chosen at No. 79. The next pick (No. 111), Shamarko Thomas, was also snagged off the board a round later than projected. Thomas won't start right away, but will eventually be pushed into the starting lineup once Pittsburgh's aging safeties move on or get injured.
Pittsburgh addressed some needs late with some sound selections, but two picks weigh this class down. I'm not a fan of Le'Veon Bell as a second-rounder because he's yet another slow back out of the Big Ten. The Landry Jones choice was even worse. There were undrafted free agent quarterbacks who are better than him - Matt Scott and Tyler Bray, for example.
Despite these two picks, the Steelers still deserve a high grade for yet another successful draft class.
2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:
17. Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia: A+ Grade
This is why the same group of teams make the playoffs every year and why another group of teams always draft in the top 10. One selection after the Bills chose the No. 4 quarterback in this class, the Steelers nabbed arguably the top pass-rusher. As mentioned in my mock draft, dumb groupthink would cause Jones to fall. Pittsburgh landed a steal.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
48. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State: C Grade
The Steelers needed a running back, so they're filling a need. But Le'Veon Bell over Eddie Lacy? That's a very questionable decision, especially considering the poor success of Big Ten backs over the years. Bell is more than a Big Ten plodder because he can block and catch the ball out of the backfield, but I wouldn't have taken him this early.
79. Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State: A- Grade
Surprise, surprise, another steal for Pittsburgh. Markus Wheaton was a consensus second-round prospect who shouldn't have fallen to the middle of the third frame. He'll fill a big need as a downfield receiver in the wake of Mike Wallace's departure.
111. Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse: A Grade
I'm pretty sure I mocked Shamarko Thomas to the Steelers in the third round, so I obviously like his value. Thomas is small, but he's a good player and should be able to start down the road once Pittsburgh's aging safeties move on.
115. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma: C- Grade
I usually like Steelers picks, so it feels weird to give them a bad grade. They needed a backup quarterback, but Landry Jones is barely functional. Many people I trust believe that Jones should have gone undrafted. After all, he wasn't even used in the red zone at Oklahoma.
150. Terry Hawthorne, CB, Illinois: B+ Grade
The Steelers lost Keenan Lewis in free agency to the Saints, so it's no surprise that they used a mid-round pick on the cornerback position. Terry Hawthorne definitely fits the range.
186. Justin Brown, WR, Oklahoma: C Grade
I'm not sure I would have considered Justin Brown draftable if the draft were 10 rounds, so this is a reach. However, it's the middle of the sixth round, so that's not a huge deal at this juncture.
206. Vince Williams, ILB, Florida State: A Grade
Leave it to the Steelers to find a steal with the final pick in the sixth round. Vince Williams is pretty talented, and it wouldn't shock me at all if he eventually emerged as a starter.
223. Nick Williams, DE/DT, Samford: A- Grade
I thought Nick Williams would go a round or two earlier, so it's no surprise that Pittsburgh landed another value selection. There are some disappointing defensive ends on Pittsburgh's roster, so it wouldn't surprise me if Williams eventually was considered to be a starter.
*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***
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John21
05-07-2013
03:45 pm
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Alt Sraft Scenario 1 based on who was available when
We selected: 17- J Jones OLB 48- A Brown ILB 79- D Moore DE 111- B Jones OL 115- P Thomas FS 150- Tav King WR 186-A Ellington RB 206-J Poyer CB 223 -D'Rick Rogers It feels like we reached for Bell and for some unknown reason Feel in love with L Jones!! Our late picks of Brown and the Williames Were loooong shots! Hoping Vince W proves me wrong! Like Jarvis, Wheaton & Sharmarko.
Danny
05-04-2013
05:43 pm
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The Steelers need to get their act together. Despite always getting high marks for their drafts, you can see the overall talent on the team is dissipating. This means they have not been drafting as well as people believe. They've had a very good eye for WR talent, but haven't drafted well elsewhere. Some of the better talent they brought in the last 5 years are now playing for other teams. That has to change.
stzlerfan4life
05-02-2013
10:16 am
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I know a lot of people are like Justin who? but he doesnt need to be fast but Ben does needa big receiver who can catch the ball inside the 20 yd line. these smallish receivers they now have are of little use inside the 20 and their best option Heath Miller who in all probability be on IR so they needed somebody with size. I think this kid could be a huge surprise.
Ranger LaBeef
05-02-2013
09:12 am
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I am really starting to warm up to the Bell pick, after looking past the value aspect and getting to know him more as a player. Yes, it would make more sense that a hefty RB who can block and catch who had 1700 behind a porous OL and no other weapons would be a 2nd round pick and the 2nd RB off the board. I think the stigma of Big Ten RBs pushed him down. Let's hope Bell doesn't end up like the last Big Ten RB we selected, Rashard Mendenhall
strzlerfan4life
05-01-2013
02:35 pm
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how in the world was Bell considered to be a bad pick, when considering he has proven to be a workhorse everydown back who can catch the ball. Mich St. had no other options on offense so opposing defenses knew what waas coming and yet this guy had well ver 1700 rushing yrds and over 350 carries.
steelrain
04-29-2013
08:23 pm
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(on leveon bell over lacy)
like many of you, i was also going WTF on this pick...I however learned that ste steelers took lacy completely off their board, due to his toe fusion surgery.The steelers felt that between lacyand bell--bell had les overall carries, and less body damage..so to the steelers--leveon bell,agreeor not--due to lacy being off the board--bell, became their highest graded RB in the draft, and was a targeted player due to his size and his footwork... these aren't my opinions, it is theirs..all i can say is--we will see, and I hope they are right.at least bell sn't known for funbling like mendenhall was...thanks for the SB loss mendy, you fumbled really good...
F N R
04-29-2013
06:07 pm
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Justin Brown when you put on the tape has size and hands. Not the speed you would like but he looked to at least be a late 6th rounder. May surprise.
patsfaninpittsburgh
04-29-2013
04:28 pm
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No doubt Wheaton was a "consensus" 2nd rounder.
That's why every team passed on him!!! Is this a "Let the idiot grade the draft" exercise?
patsfaninpittsburgh
04-29-2013
04:25 pm
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It's so obvious Wheaton was a consensus 2nd rounder.
That's so obvious because every team passed on the guy in the 2nd round. Where did this site find this idiot to "grade" any team's draft?
Derrrrrrrrrr
04-29-2013
04:16 pm
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Ummm yes, getting back in the 4th for next year's 3rd was a good deal. The Steelers will almost definitely get a 3rd round comp for Mike Wallace. They will also get comps for Mendenhall, Lewis, Harrison, etc. Losing a pick in next year's draft to acquire a safety they really liked is a smart move. With all of the comp picks, they will have close to 10 picks next year.
csszrr
04-29-2013
02:13 am
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Always blowing the stillers. A 4th for a 3rd?! Yea brilliant. This is the same guy who loved Clausen and called Cam bloated. Love that you keep the proof up.
AJMadness
04-29-2013
12:12 am
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Only complaint is the Jones pick, Wish we would have taken John Simon with that one.
John21
04-28-2013
11:54 pm
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I am in agreement with your assessment. Landry was not a good value at 115-period. We could have chosen an true contributor! Brown was a bizarre pick! Wasnt even in Top 400 at Draft tek! Bell was a reach big time but hope he proves me wrong. Other picks were solid. Like Wheaton! Disapptd no punter late or as UDFA??
mikeyd33
04-28-2013
11:00 pm
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I've seen alot of negative comments about this draft for the steelers. Steeler nation should be excited for next year. Everyone of these picks make sense and fills a huge need. It doesn't matter what round they got these guys in,they snagged the ones they were targeting all along. Great job by the gm and coaches. Now hopefully these rookies can stay healthy and produce their first year.Watching the highlight tapes on these guys gives me chills I'M PUMPED for next year already.
haha
04-28-2013
07:46 pm
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@@Mike
I promise you, that you had no idea who Leveon Bell was before the season started, and even if you did I bet you had no idea he'd be a 2nd to 3rd round pick. Same with Vince Williams. He was never in these mock drafts until I wrote something about him. And then magically he appeared in the 3rd or 4th round here. Don't be upset I follow NFL prospects. And by the way this site writes about Bell, they obviously don't like him one bit. Only time will tell I guess. |
Season Summary:
Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers have been known to thrive in the clutch and pull games out late in regulation, but that was not the case in 2012. In fact, the complete opposite occurred. Roethlisberger was either throwing costly picks, or the running backs were fumbling balls at a ridiculous rate, or the receivers were dropping key passes. Something always seemed to go wrong. Unlike the current Cowboys and Lions' regimes, Pittsburgh has won before, so it has a good chance of turning things around.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Rush Linebacker: The Steelers tied for just 15th in sacks in 2012. That would help explain why their defense couldn't force any turnovers. James Harrison was cut. Luckily, there will be plenty of pass-rushers available at No. 17 in the 2013 NFL Draft. Drafted Jarvis Jones
- Wide Receiver: Mike Wallace cost his team with so many drops this past season. He's a free agent, so he'll likely move on to another venue. Retained Emmanuel Sanders; re-signed Plaxico Burress
- Strong Safety: How many more years can Pittsburgh keep relying on Troy Polamalu? He's always hurt. The front office needs to start thinking about bringing in a successor. Drafted Shamarko Thomas
- Offensive Tackle: Second-round rookie Mike Adams struggled in his first NFL campaign, but maybe he'll improve. The Steelers should bring in veteran competition just in case he doesn't. Signed Guy Whimper
- Defensive End: Pittsburgh got absolutely no pass rush out of its young defensive ends, Ziggy Hood and Cameron Heyward. Hood was especially terrible.
- Running Back: Rashard Mendenhall is a free agent. He probably won't be back. Some competition will have to be added for the mediocre Jonathan Dwyer. Re-signed Jonathan Dwyer; tendered Isaac Redman; drafted Le'Veon Bell
- Inside Linebacker: Larry Foote is coming off an abysmal season, but Pittsburgh may opt to bring him back just in case Sean Spence isn't ready to start. Re-signed Larry Foote and Stevenson Sylvester
- Cornerback: The Steelers will need some cornerback help if Keenan Lewis leaves via free agency. Signed William Gay; drafted Terry Hawthorne
- Tight End: Heath Miller suffered a brutal knee injury in late December, tearing his ACL, MCL and PCL. A mid- or late-round pick could be used on a tight end. Signed Matt Spaeth
- Interior Offensive Linemen: With Ramon Foster and Doug Legursky heading for free agency, Pittsburgh will have to replenish depth. Re-signed Ramon Foster
- Quarterback: Charlie Batch and Byron Leftwich are both free agents, so the Steelers will have to find a backup quarterback. Signed Bruce Gradkowski; drafted Landry Jones; claimed John Parker Wilson
- Punter: Drew Butler ranked 25th in net punting average.
2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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William Gay, CB, Cardinals. Age: 28. 
Signed with Steelers
William Gay played well in 2011, but was torched consistently this past season. Gay (not that there's anything wrong with that) is just 28, so he could turn his career around. The Cardinals had no choice but to cut him, however, given that he was due $3.2 million in 2013.
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Matt Spaeth, TE, Bears. Age: 29.
Signed with Steelers
Matt Spaeth is an awesome blocker, but doesn't offer much as a receiver.
- Guy Whimper, OT, Jaguars. Age: 30.
-- Signed with Steelers
- Plaxico Burress, WR, Steelers. Age: 36. -- Re-signed with Steelers
- Bruce Gradkowski, QB, Bengals. Age: 30. -- Signed with Steelers (3 years)
- John Parker Wilson, QB, Jaguars. Age: 27. -- Claimed by Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Keenan Lewis, CB, Steelers. Age: 27.
Signed with Saints (5 years, $26 million; $11 million guaranteed)
Keenan Lewis played very well in his first season as a starter in 2012, surrendering a solid 52.7 completion percentage and just three touchdowns.
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Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers. Age: 27.
Signed with Dolphins (5 years)
Mike Wallace is overrated. He has blazing speed, but he's a horribly inefficient receiver. He dropped tons of passes and ranked near the bottom of the NFL in terms of catch percentage among starting wideouts.
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Willie Colon, G/OT, Steelers. Age: 30.
Signed with Jets (1 year, $1.2 million)
Willie Colon can play both guard positions as well as right tackle. He's a very powerful blocker, and he would be rated much higher if he didn't have a troublesome knee that has forced him out of multiple games over the past several seasons.
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James Harrison, DE/OLB, Steelers. Age: 35.
Signed with Bengals (2 years)
James Harrison can still put good pressure on the quarterback, but given that he turns 35 in May, it's fair to wonder how long that'll last. He's also injury-prone, so that doesn't help his cause.
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David Johnson, FB, Steelers. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Steelers (1 year)
David Johnson is a solid, run-blocking fullback, but is coming off a torn ACL that he suffered in August.
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Jonathan Dwyer (RFA), RB, Steelers. Age: 24.
Re-signed with Steelers (1 year, $1.3 million)
Jonathan Dwyer has some nice running ability - he averaged four yards per carry behind a beat-up offensive line - but he'll have the occasional mental lapse, whether it's a fumble or a dropped pass.
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Ramon Foster, G, Steelers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Steelers (3 years)
Ramon Foster is a quality starter. He pass protects well, but struggles in terms of run blocking.
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Steve McLendon (RFA), NT, Steelers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Steelers (3 years)
Steve McClendon looks like a solid replacement for Casey Hampton. He performed well in the playoffs against the Broncos in January 2012, and that carried over into this season when he saw the field briefly.
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Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers. Age: 26.
Signed with Cardinals (1 year)
An injury-prone Big Ten plodder with some talent, but not enough to make him very appealing.
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Emmanuel Sanders (RFA), WR, Steelers. Age: 26.
Steelers match tender offer
Emmanuel Sanders caught 44 balls for 626 yards and a touchdown in his third season. He could be thrust into the starting lineup if Mike Wallace leaves.
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Casey Hampton, NT, Steelers. Age: 35.
Casey Hampton is still a quality run-stuffer despite his age (36 on Sept. 3).
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Isaac Redman, RB, Steelers. Age: 28.
Tendered by Steelers (original)
Isaac Redman is solid in goal-line and third-down situations, but he should not be carrying the ball on normal downs.
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Larry Foote, ILB, Steelers. Age: 33.
Larry Foote is an asset because he's a smart leader on the field, but his skills have eroded. He was ranked near the top among linebackers in terms of missed tackles and touchdowns allowed. He said he's considering retirement.
- Will Allen, S, Steelers. Age: 31. -- Signed with Cowboys
- Max Starks, OT, Steelers. Age: 31. -- Signed with Chargers
- Doug Legursky, G, Steelers. Age: 27. -- Signed with Bills
- Ryan Mundy, S, Steelers. Age: 28. -- Signed with Giants
- Charlie Batch, QB, Steelers. Age: 38.
- Byron Leftwich, QB, Steelers. Age: 33.
- Stevenson Sylvester (RFA), ILB, Steelers. Age: 25. -- Re-signed with Steelers
- Leonard Pope, TE, Steelers. Age: 29.
- Brandon Johnson, ILB, Steelers. Age: 30.
- Plaxico Burress, WR, Steelers. Age: 36.
- Justin King, CB, Steelers. Age: 26.
2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - June 16
2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 11
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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