1st round – William Jackson III CB Houston:
Pittsburgh gets the number one corner they desperately need here. Jackson has the rare size (6′) and speed (4.3 -40) combination that NFL teams drool over in a cornerback. The Steelers could have quite the pair of corners for the future with Jackson and Senquez Golson.
2nd round – Vonn Bell S Ohio St.:
We all know the fondness the Steelers have with Ohio St. players, so it comes as no surprise when Bell is the selection here. Vonn Bell is a top safety prospect with very good cover skills. Bell had 23 passes defended over the past 2 seasons. He would fit nicely along side Mike Mitchell in Pittsburgh’s secondary.
3rd round – Jihard Ward DE Illionois:
Jihard Ward is exactly what Pittsburgh looks for in a 3-4 defensive end. He’s 6’5″ with long arms and above average athleticism. There wasn’t a whole lot of productivity in college, but that may be due to scheme and being doubled teamed. The Steelers get a player to spell Heyward and Tuitt that they desperately need.
4th round – Cardale Jones QB Ohio St.:
I’ve been saying all along this is the year the Steelers take a quarterback to groom behind Ben Roethlisberger. Jones has had quite the college career. He went relative unknown, to national champion, to backup quarterback in the span of 3 years. At 6’5″, he has the size and has big time arm strength. His accuracy and leadership have been questioned, but sitting a few years behind Big Ben could help with that.
With Jones behind Roethlisberger, we should feel more confident in the Q.B. position if Roethlisberger goes down. I still believe in “Landry Jones” as a back up. However, the height advantage of Cardale Jones is what we have become accustom to. And, let’s face it, height for a quarter back is an advantage for whomever is under center. As long as Landry is a Steeler, he will most likely be holding a clip board.
I think Landry Jones is ok as a backup. The Steelers have to look long term though, and Jones isn’t the answer there. Cardale Jones is perfect to let sit back for a couple of years and learn from Ben. Problem is will he last til the 4th round? I hope so.