I hate to question what Pittsburgh’s brass are thinking in their “war room,” but I for one am befuddled as to why they selected Le’Veon Bell (6’1″ 230 lbs.) with the 48th overall pick this evening.

Bell is now a Steeler. Bell is now a Steeler. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Look, I understand that the Steelers were in desperate need of depth at the running back position.  But Pittsburgh’s offense already has two “fat backs” on their depth chart in the forms of Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman.  Furthermore, what would compel the franchise to pass on players at positions of need like Keenan Allen and Arthur Brown, let alone more explosive running backs like Johnathan Franklin and Eddie Lacy?

Do not get me wrong, if those players were all off the board at #48, I would have had less of an issue with Bell’s selection.  Yet I truly question why the Steelers would not try to add a more explosive “every-down” back to their roster at that juncture as opposed to a back like with Le’Veon’s skill-set.

As much of a “Negative Nancy” as I am about the pick, Bell was a very productive back at Michigan State during his three-year career.  After two successful seasons in a part time role (2010-2011: 1,553 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns), Bell was essentially the Spartans’ only “offensive weapon” last year.  Overall, Le’Veon rumbled for 1,793 yards and 12 touchdowns, and did so against 8, 9, and sometimes 10 man fronts stacked to stop him.  To Bell’s credit as well, he has decent field-vision, and possesses the type of feet to work well within a zone-blocking scheme.

Sometimes though, Le’Veon will get too “cutesy” near the line of scrimmage instead of taking the necessary yards in a manner similar to Rashard Mendenhall.  In spite of his size, Bell’s somewhat upright running style could leave him at the mercy of linebackers and safeties looking to drop him.  Furthermore, I question whether or not the former Spartan is agile and fast enough to cut up field outside the tackle-box, and has enough explosiveness to elude and outrun oncoming defenders.  And while I’ll admit that Bell definitely possesses a reliable set of hands (2011-2012: 67 catches, 434 yards, 1 touchdown), his lack of speed could really limit him to only the screen and swing games at the pro level.

The Steelers took a keen interest in Bell before the draft, and Tomlin along with other members of the franchise dined with him before his Pro Day workout.  I guess that Le’Veon was the highest rated running back and player on the board for Pittsburgh’s brass at #48 overall, so I guess that I will have to take the usual “In Colbert & Co. I Trust” attitude towards this somewhat confusing pick.

Final Grade: D

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Players Stats Provided By Specific Team Pages: Michigan State and ESPN.com

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Players Heights/Weight Provided By: CBSSports.com and NFL Combine Page

Granted, I’ll admit that Jones’ medical history and poor Pro Day workout make the move a bit of a calculated risk.  But I believe that the selection itself was a smart gamble, and Jarvis was a terror off of the edge during his collegiate career.  As I stated before, the Steelers needed help at outside linebacker, and Jones could very well emerge into yet another fantastic pass-rusher for the “Black and Gold.”

Now that Day 2 of the draft is upon us, I thought that I would discuss my thoughts on what Rounds 2 and 3 have to offer for Pittsburgh’s brass.  Thankfully for Colbert & Co., a large amount of talented players at positions of need will still available for them to choose from in Rounds 2 and 3 this evening.

Potential Round 2 (#48 overall) Selections

Inside Linebackers

Arthur Brown (Kansas State), Sio Moore (Connecticut), Kevin Minter (Louisiana State)

Brown would be a solid 2nd Round pick for the Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

With only one inside linebacker selected in the 1st round (Alec Ogletree), the Steelers could be primed to fill a dire need with a talented player at #48 overall.  I actually mocked Arthur Brown to Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago (at #25 overall after a projected trade), and I believe that he would be a perfect addition to the Steelers’ defense next to Lawrence Timmons.  Although Brown is a bit on the shorter side (6′ 241 lbs.), he is well-built and was tenacious player for Kansas State during his two year stint as a starter.  Brown is a tough defender between the hashes, and he recorded up 201 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions over the last two seasons combined.

If Kevin Minter slides to #48 overall and Brown is off the board, I would hope that the Steelers would consider him.  The former Bayou Bengal was a “tackling machine” last year as he recorded 130 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks in 2012.  The squat-framed, yet athletic linebacker (6′ 246 lbs.) packs a wallop as a tackler, has enough agility to potentially hold his own in pass-coverage, and projects well to develop into an effective strongside-inside linebacker in Pittsburgh’s defense, and he has the tools to be a perfect candidate to take over for Larry Foote once he calls it quits.

If the Steelers elect to take a more versatile prospect than Brown or Minter, they could target Sio Moore (6’1″ 245 lbs.) of Connecticut.  I mocked Moore to Pittsburgh earlier this week, and the Steelers invited the athletic linebacker to Pittsburgh for a private interview earlier in the draft process.  Moore is coming off of a solid 2012 campaign in which he racked up 72 tackles, 8.0 sacks, and 15.5 tackles for loss.  The Huskies took advantage of Sio’s unique skill-set during his career, and they lined him up at inside linebacker, outside linebacker, and even along the line of scrimmage as a pass-rusher.  Dick LeBeau and Keith Butler value versatility, and he could very well be Pittsburgh’s pick in Round 2 or Round 3.

Cornerback/Free Safety

Johnthan Banks (Mississippi State)

While cornerback is not necessarily an immediate need, Colbert & Co. could employ a “B.P.A.” strategy and take a chance on an athletic and versatile defensive back in the form of Johnthan Banks of Mississippi State.

I’m a bit surprised that the 2012 Jim Thorpe award winner’s stock has slipped so much since the 2012 regular season ended.  But teams are apparently concerned with Banks’ speed, and I guess they would prefer to take other cornerbacks before him.  Banks however would be a perfect fit as a zone-scheme cornerback or even a free safety (a position he played as a freshman at Mississippi State) in Pittsburgh’s defense.  Johnthan’s tall frame (6’2″ 185 lbs.), solid ball skills (16 career interceptions), and ability to mix it up in the run-game (125 Tackles the last two seasons) could make him too good to pass up at #48 overall.

Safeties

Phillip Thomas (Fresno State), D.J. Swearinger (South Carolina), Johnathan Cyprien (Florida International)

With Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark nearing the end of their careers’ and Robert Golden the only depth presently behind them, I believe that Pittsburgh will take a safety at some point in Round 2 or Round 3.

If Phillip Thomas is available at #48 overall, I believe that the Steelers could take the former Fresno State ball-hawk.  Thomas led the FBS-division in interceptions last year with 8, and did so after he spent the entire 2011 season sidelined with a broken leg.  While Phillip is known more for his ability to make plays on balls in the air, he can definitely hold his own against the run and has the type of frame (6’1″ 208 lbs.) and tackling ability (2012: 84 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss) to possibly switch to strong safety.

I was a bit surprised that Johnathan Cyprien fell out of the 1st Round, especially after many people (including me) had him pegged anywhere from #21 to #32.  Regardless, I’m happy to see that the strong safety is still available and could be a potential selection for the Steelers.  Last season, Cyprien enjoyed a solid 2012 season with the Golden Panthers (93 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 4 interceptions), and his stock rose significantly during the offseason period.  Although Cyprien is not as agile as Matt Elam is in pass-coverage, he does possess decent size (6′ 217 lbs.), and would be a solid “in-the-box” type of strong safety.

Although I like Thomas and Cyprien, count me in as somebody who would like to see D.J. Swearinger lacing them up for the “Black and Gold.”  A tenacious hitter, Swearinger would be a solid strong safety in Pittsburgh’s defense, and his ability to tackle (2011: 80 tackles, 2012: 79 tackles) and support the run would make him a valuable chess-piece for Dick LeBeau to utilize.  D.J. made 6 interceptions, forced 4 fumbles, recovered another 2, and started 33 games for the Gamecocks over the course of his collegiate career.  Although he isn’t the biggest (5’10″ 208 lbs.) or fastest safety in this draft class, his nastiness and skill-set are exactly what Pittsburgh’s secondary needs.

Running Backs

Giovani Bernard (North Carolina), Johnathan Franklin (UCLA)

While I believe that Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman are both solid “situational battering rams” and backups, the Steelers could still stand to use a more athletic running back to compliment their big bruisers.  Two running backs in particular come to my mind who could add an extra dimension to Pittsburgh’s offense, Giovani Bernard and Johnathan Franklin.

The Steelers took a particular interest in Franklin, and the organization even invited him to town for a pre-draft interview.  I’ve talked at length about Franklin over the last four months as a potential Steeler draft pick, and he definitely has a number of things going for him at the moment.  Johnathan is coming off of a career year at UCLA, and the running back rushed for 1,734 yards and 15 touchdowns and caught 33 passes for 323 yards and another 2 scores.  Franklin is a decent sized one-cut back (5’10″ 205 lbs.) who can gain the tough yards inside the tackles as well as go outside the hashes and make plays.  Although Franklin is not a “burner” in terms of his raw speed and had some issues with ball security, the Steelers could take a chance on him in Round 2.

While I like Franklin as a potential addition to Pittsburgh’s offense, I would be incredibly happy to see the Steelers take Giovani Bernard on Day 2 of the draft.  Although Bernard only played two seasons at North Carolina, he was a multi-purpose weapon for the Tar Heels.  On the ground, Bernard racked up a combined 2,481 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns over the last two years.  If that wasn’t impressive enough, Giovani was an accomplished pass catcher and recorded 92 grabs for 852 yards and 6 touchdowns during that span.  Heck, Bernard even took 2 punts back for scores last season as well!  If the former Tar Heel’s small frame (5’8″ 202 lbs.) causes teams to pass on him, Pittsburgh’s brass would be wise to step in and acquire him.

Wide Receivers

Keenan Allen (California), Justin Hunter (Tennessee), Robert Woods (Southern California)

I for one am a bit shocked that Keenan Allen, Justin Hunter, and Robert Woods still remain available, but I won’t complain.  In fact, I’m downright stoked that the Steelers might have a shot at drafting one of these three pass-catchers.

I actually projected Justin Hunter to go to the Steelers in Round 1 (at pick #31) in my final mock draft from Thursday, and I believe that a wide receiver like the former Volunteer could really help Pittsburgh’s passing game.  Last season, it was Hunter, not Cordarrelle Patterson, who was Tennessee’s most productive receiver (73 catches, 1,083 yards, 9 touchdowns).  The most amazing part of Hunter’s season was the fact that he did what he did only one year after he sustained an ACL injury.  While some might consider Hunter to be a bit raw and inconsistent, his frame (6’4″ 196 lbs.) and ability to stretch the field would make him a welcome target for Ben Roethlisberger.

Keenan Allen did not do himself any favors with a poor pro day performance, and the PCL injury he sustained last year sure didn’t help his case either.  Nevertheless, the former Golden Bear receiver was one of the Pac-12′s most productive pass-catchers over the last two seasons  (2011: 98 catches, 1,343 yards and 6 touchdowns, 2012: 61 catches, 737 yards, and 6 touchdowns).  Allen can not only play flanker, split end, and in the slot, he has some reliable hands, and is a large target who can make any quarterback happy to look for in the red zone.  While Allen’s raw speed might be an issue for some, he is too talented of a prospect to pass up at #48 overall in my opinion.

Like Allen, Robert Woods was one of the Pac-12′s most productive pass-catchers over the last two seasons.  And just like Allen, Woods’ stock has dropped due to injury concerns (ankle), and his dip in production last season (2011: 111 catches, 1,292 yards, 15 touchdowns to 2012: 76 catches, 846 yards, 11 touchdowns) did not help him either.  Woods however is a receiver who has solid speed, can run crisp routes, and has a good pair of hands.  At 6′ 201 lbs., the former Trojan has a decent sized frame, and definitely has the potential to help Pittsburgh’s receiving corps.

For now though, let’s get on to my final 2013 NFL Mock Draft:

Round 1

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Fisher OT (Central Michigan)

Kansas City’s brass could instantly upgrade their situation at offensive tackle with the former Central Michigan standout.  The large-framed (6’7″ 306 lbs.) blind-side protector was a 1st team All-MAC performer last season, and also possesses some versatility to his overall game.  Although he played most of his collegiate career at left tackle, Eric did start games at right tackle and right guard at the college level.  So even if Fisher doesn’t pan out on the blind-side, Kansas City’s coaching staff could find another place for him along their offensive line.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan DE/OLB (Oregon)

Although the Jason Babin signing helped towards the end of the 2012 season, Jacksonville’s brass would be wise to bolster their pass-rush at some point tomorrow.  The Jaguars ranked dead last in the league with a total of 20.0 sacks last fall, and their defense could not create consistent pressure off of the edges.  Last year, Jordan (6’6″ 248 lbs.) put up 44 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and forced 3 fumbles.  In addition to his ability to rush the passer, Jordan is extremely competent in pass-coverage and playing in space as well. As long as he recovers well from his recent shoulder surgery, the former Duck will be a top 5 pick.

3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd DT (Florida)

Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant are no longer with the Raiders, so an enormous hole exists at defensive tackle.  Floyd (6’3″ 297 lbs.) has become of the draft’s hottest commodities as of late, and he played both defensive end and defensive tackle at Florida.  Last year, Floyd played his best football last season on the interior as he displayed a surprising combination of agility, power, and quickness for a man his size.  Overall, Sharrif notched 46 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a team-leading 13.0 tackles for loss during his junior season, and should garner interest from teams who employ 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes in Round 1.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel OT (Texas A&M)

If the athletic Luke Joeckel falls all the way to #4 for Chip Kelly, I’ll bet he will be do cart-wheels in Philadelphia’s war room.  The Eagles are in desperate need of help at the offensive tackle position, and Joeckel would be a perfect fit in Philadelphia’s up-tempo offense.  The 6’6″ 306 lb. Joeckel was the 2012 Outland Award winner, a 2012 consensus All-American, and a three-year starter for the Aggies (39 Games, 39 Starts).  While the nimble Joeckel is not a “road-grading” type of tackle, his quick feet and sound blocking technique will help him develop into a fantastic blind-side pass-protector for years to come.

5. Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah DE (Brigham Young)

Detroit will likely need some serious help at defensive end position if they want to create any pressure off of the edges in future seasons.  Cliff Avril left for a new deal in Seattle, and Kyle Vanden Bosch was just recently released too.  If Fisher and Joeckel are no longer available, I would have to believe that the Lions would take Ezekiel Ansah.  Despite the fact that Ansah is newer to the game of football, the 6’5″ 271 lb. defensive end had a fine 2012 season as he made 62 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks during his first year as a starter with the Cougars.

6. San Diego Chargers: Lane Johnson OT (Oklahoma)

(Trade w/Cleveland: Swap 1st Round picks (#6 overall) and (#11 overall), San Diego sends 2nd Round pick (#45) to Cleveland to complete deal)

San Diego’s offensive line surrendered 49.0 sacks last year (4th most in the entire league), and the Chargers need to upgrade their situation at offensive tackle.  If Lane Johnson is available at #6 overall, San Diego should definitely try to broker a trade with Cleveland.  The former Sooner (6’6″ 303 lbs.) is an intriguing prospect who played quarterback in high school and at junior college, and spent time at tight end and defensive end in Norman as well.  For the last two years though Johnson has manned both the right (12 starts) and left (11 starts) tackle spots, and has the potential to be a stable pass-protector down the road on the left or the right side.

7. Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner CB (Alabama)

(Trade w/Arizona: Swap 1st Round picks (#7 overall) and (#10 overall), Tennessee sends 3rd Round pick (#70) to Arizona to complete deal)

The Titans might trade up a few spots just to make sure that San Francisco and Atlanta don’t swoop in ahead of them if they want to go after a cornerback.  Currently, the Titans have issues at in terms of depth at cornerback, and it would likely only cost them a 3rd round pick to ensure that can they acquire the best one of the 2013 draft class.  Milliner (6′ 200 lbs.) had a terrific 2012 season as he logged 22 passes defended over the team’s 14 games, and added 54 tackles and 2 interceptions to his statline during the Crimson Tide’s national championship season.  DeMarcus also is more than willing to mix it up in the run game, and has the size, speed, and man-coverage skills to be a solid starting cornerback.

8. Buffalo Bills: Tavon Austin WR (West Virginia)

I really hope that Buffalo does not consider Ryan Nassib at #8.  I mean, late in Round 1 he would be a good choice, but taking a player of his caliber at #8 overall would be an enormous reach, even if this draft class is not “top heavy.”  If Buffalo opts to pass on Nassib, they could try to upgrade their receiving corps with the shifty Tavon Austin of West Virginia.  Not only did Austin top the 100 catch mark during his junior season, he had an even more productive senior campaign last fall as he recorded 114 grabs for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns.  An accomplished ball-carrier as well, Tavon also was effective in the run-game as he rushed for an incredible 643 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2012.

9. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo OLB (Louisiana State)

2012 1st Round pick Quinton Coples (5.5 sacks) and 2011 1st Round pick Muhammad Wilkerson (5.0 sacks) did a fine job last season as they supplied heat from their 5-technique defensive end spots.  Unfortunately, the Jets lack speed outside of Coples and Wilkerson, and desperately need a pass-rushing threat at outside linebacker.  Sporting a 6’4″ and 241 lb. frame, Mingo possesses a tremendous amount of speed (4.58 40 yard dash) and agility (6.84 3-cone drill) off of the edge which should help him translate well to the professional level.  The biggest issues with Mingo however deal with how raw his skill-set is, as well as his limited production (4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss) with the Bayou Bengals last season.  Questions aside, Mingo’s athletic ability and upside should make him a lock to go somewhere in the top 15.

10. Arizona Cardinals: D.J. Fluker OT (Alabama)

(Trade w/Arizona: Swap 1st Round picks (#7 overall) and (#10 overall), Tennessee sends 3rd Round pick (#70) to Arizona to complete deal)

Arizona’s offensive line surrendered a League high 58.0 sacks last year, and tackles Bobby Massie and D’Anthony Batiste looked lost at multiple points during the 2012 campaign.  If the Cardinals want to shore up the right tackle position, they could take D.J. Fluker in Round 1.  Fluker started 36 games during his three years with the Crimson Tide, and is one of the more experienced offensive tackles in this year’s draft class.  Keeping Carson Palmer healthy is a high priority, and the addition of a massive 6’5″ 339 lb. road-grader should help to do just that.

11. Cleveland Browns: Star Lotulelei DT/DE (Utah)

(Trade w/San Diego: Swap 1st Round picks (#6 overall) and (#11 overall), San Diego sends 2nd Round pick (#45) to Cleveland to complete deal)

Although the Browns signed Paul Kruger this offseason, their defense could stand to add another pass-rusher as well as a developmental 5-technique defensive end.  If Star Lotulelei is in play for the Browns, especially after a trade, I am sure that they will probably give him a long look. Despite being double-teamed and keyed on for much of the season,  Lotulelei (6’2″ 311 lbs.) was a 1st Team All-Pac-12 performer in 2012 as he amassed 42 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 11.0 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries.  If teams shy away from Lotulelei due his heart issue, Cleveland might snatch him up in a “Best Player Available” scenario.

12. Miami Dolphins: Xavier Rhodes CB (Florida State)

Although the Dolphins recently signed Brent Grimes, their defense could still stand to acquire a talented cornerback.  Xavier Rhodes (6’1″ 210 lbs.) was a 1st Team All-ACC cornerback as he racked up 39 tackles and 3 interceptions during the 2012 season as the most talented player in the Seminoles’ defensive backfield.  A team can never have too many effective cornerbacks in today’s N.F.L., and Rhodes is terrific in man-coverage situations because he can use his physical stature to his advantage.

13. New York Jets: Jonathan Cooper OG/C (North Carolina)

The Jets could go in a number of different ways at #13 overall, but it would not shock me in the least if they made Jonathan Cooper their pick.  Now that Brandon Moore is gone, the Jets could instantly upgrade their offensive line with the versatile Cooper (6’2″ 311 lbs.) who might even stand in for some reps as Nick Mangold’s backup at center.  The former Tar Heel was a 4-year starter at North Carolina (48 games), and possesses tremendous agility for an interior offensive lineman.

14. Carolina Panthers: Sheldon Richardson DT (Missouri)

Although the Panthers’ defense improved this past year, issues still exist along the interior of their defensive line.  Carolina’s run defense could be helped by an impact player like 3-technique prospect Sheldon Richardson from Missouri.  After two years at the junior college level, and one year in a non-starter role with the Tigers, the agile and powerful Richardson (6’3″ 295 lbs.) burst on the scene in 2012 when he racked up 75 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks over Missouri’s 11 games.

15. New Orleans Saints: Jarvis Jones OLB (Georgia)

The Saints could stand to acquire a 3-4 pass-rusher this offseason.  New Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan could be intrigued to take former Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones.  Although Jones’ “spinal stenosis” condition and poor Pro Day workout could scare scouts away, some teams in need of an athletic pass-rusher are sure to be willing to gamble on the former Bulldog.  Last season, Jones (6’2″ 245 lbs.) racked up 24.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks.  At least to me, Jones would be a bargain for the Saints if he falls all the way down to #15 overall.

16. St. Louis Rams: Kenny Vaccaro FS/SS (Texas)

The Rams lost Craig Dahl in March, thus a replacement at the free safety position must be found, and found quickly.  Vaccaro (6’1″ 218 lbs.) was the Longhorns’ leading tackler last year (104) and added 4.0 tackles for loss, forced two fumbles, and made 2 interceptions as well.  A two-and-a-half year starter at Texas (31 Starts, 50 games), Vaccaro played both free and strong safety during his collegiate career, and is also adept at helping with coverage in the slot in “big nickel” packages too.

The Steelers need offensive weapons at every position.  At least one running back has been drafted in the first round of every NFL draft since 1963 and the Steelers will continue a trend with a physical runner who fits their mentality perfectly.

 

(Sanchez failed to do a write up on Escobar)

Lacy did a fine job for the Tide during his career. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

First of all, let me state that if Pittsburgh’s brass select Eddie Lacy or any running back in Round 1, especially at #17 overall, I will definitely question their collective sanity.

Make no mistake, Lacy had a fine career at Alabama (2012: 1,322 rush yards, 17 touchdowns, 189 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns), and he definitely performed well in Alabama’s national title romp versus Notre Dame.  But Lacy also brings some durability concerns with him, and some might believe that his stats were a bit padded from running behind an offensive line as talented as the Tide’s over the last few seasons.

Moreover, the Steelers have entirely too many needs to fill on the offensive side of the ball before they can begin to think about taking a running back with the 17th overall selection (wide receiver and tight end).

I would also question why the Steelers would take a running back with Lacy’s frame (5’11″ 231 lbs.), especially because the team already has two “big backs” on their roster in the forms of Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman.

At least to me, what Pittsburgh’s offense really needs at the running back position is a shifty, one-cut, speed back who will compliment Dwyer and Redman, help out in the passing game, and add an element of speed to the position which hasn’t been there since the days of “Fast” Willie Parker.  Heck, I’d rather see the Steelers take the raw Cordarrelle Patterson and move him to running back then to see them draft Lacy at #17, but that’s an entirely different article altogether.

In my opinion, Pittsburgh would be better served to wait until Days 2 & 3 to fill their running back need with players like Andre Ellington (Clemson), Johnathan Franklin (UCLA), Joseph Randle (Oklahoma State), Kenjon Barner (Oregon), Mike Gillislee (Florida), Jawan Jamison (Rutgers), or even Ray Graham (Pittsburgh) or Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina) if their knees are back to 100%.

While I definitely have some reservations about the Steelers taking Eddie Lacy, I would be downright ecstatic to see Colbert & Co. take former San Diego State Aztec tight end Gavin Escobar.

Escobar has the tools to be a terrific tight end. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

As a life-long Aztec fan, it would definitely put a smile on my face to see the Steelers draft a tight end who is as talented as Escobar to pair with Heath Miller.  In fact, it would not shock me at all if Pittsburgh’s brass went in the “tight end direction” on Day 1 or Day 2 of this weekend’s draft.

The Steelers need a tall, physical, and athletic threat to utilize in their passing-game near the goal line and in the red zone, and a player like Gavin could be a perfect fit in that type of role.  The big-framed Escobar (6’6″ 254 lbs.) was the go-to-guy for Ryan Lindley, Ryan Katz, and Adam Dingwell during the three year career at Montezuma Mesa (2010-2012: 122 catches, 1,646 yards, 17 touchdowns), and also possesses a set of the most reliable hands of any tight end in this draft class.  Moreover, Gavin can not only line-up as an in-line tight end, but can also be utilized in the slot, and is definitely a “mismatch” threat for any opposing defensive coordinator.

While Escobar is far more proficient as a pass-receiver, his blocking is nothing to dismiss either.  During his career at San Diego State, Escobar improved as a blocker each and every season, and definitely is a willing participant in the run-game.   The Aztecs employed a “ground-n-pound” offense over the last three years, and Escobar was an important cog in San Diego State offensive lines which helped guys like Ronnie Hillman (now of the Broncos), Adam Muema, and Walter Kazee achieve so much success during that time period.

Final Thoughts

Well “Steeler Nation,” the draft is only three days away and the intrigue and suspense are still running high.  With so many needs at so many different positions, the Steelers can go in a number of directions over the draft’s first three to four rounds.  I am sure that Colbert & Co. will target a running back and a tight end at some point, so keep a close eye on whom is available when Pittsburgh goes on the clock this weekend.

Players Stats Provided By Specific Team Pages: Alabama, San Diego State, and ESPN.com

Players Contract Info. Provided By: Spotrac.com

Players Heights/Weight Provided By: CBSSports.com and NFL Combine Page

UFA visitors at Steelers today besides Stephens-Howling: LB Tavares Gooden and Antoine Caldwell guard

— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) April 3, 2013

When one looks at this list, it appears that Pittsburgh’s brass want to add role players and depth to their roster as the franchise heads into what is sure to be a rebuilding 2013 season.  Caldwell (6’3″ 307 lbs.) gained a large amount of experience as a center and a guard in Houston’s zone-running-heavy offense (39 games, 19 starts), and the soon to be 27 year-old would provide some “interior offensive line insurance” if currently unsigned “UFA” Doug Legursky does not return to the “Steel City.”

Stephens-Howling might be a solid pickup for the Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Although Gooden has been more of a special teams player over the course of his six-year career (57 games, 12 starts), he has nevertheless played the inside linebacker position before in 3-4 defensive schemes with the Ravens and the 49ers.  Adding a veteran like Gooden (6’1″ 233 lbs.) to the mix would make sense for a team in need of inside linebacker depth and consistent performers on special teams.

Of the three potential Free Agent signees though, I believe that LaRod Stephens-Howling would fit the best with Pittsburgh.  Moreover, if the Steelers can find a way to ink the 5’7″ 180 lb. running back, I believe that Stephens-Howling would be a solid pickup by the franchise due to his unique skill-set.

On the offensive side of the ball, LaRod was productive in the “3rd down back” role for the Cardinals during his career, and has the hands and the field-vision to be an enormous upgrade over Baron Batch in the aforementioned department.  Last season, the former Pitt Panther was able to set career-highs in carries (111), yards (357), rushing touchdowns (4), and receptions (17).

Although Stephens-Howling does not possess the frame to be an “every-down” running back, his experience in a zone-blocking scheme at Pitt and in Arizona should serve him well in Pittsburgh as the Steelers will be transitioning to more of zone-based rushing attack under new offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr.. Furthermore, LaRod’s ability to be used in a multitude of passing down-packages should make him an attractive option for a team in need of a “3rd down back” like Pittsburgh.

While LaRod has the potential to chip in a bit on the offensive side of the ball, the area he shines brightest in on special teams, particularly as a kick returner.  Before the N.F.L. changed the kickoff rules, Stephens-Howling did a masterful job for the Cardinals as a kick returner during his first two seasons in the league.

In 2009, the former Pitt Panther racked up 1,257 return yards and scored 1 touchdown, and he followed that up with an N.F.L.-leading 1,548 return yards and 2 touchdowns in 2010.  In addition to his skills as a kick returner, Stephens-Howling can also provide value on kickoff and punt return coverage units, and his speed and tenacity came in handy when Arizona needed him to down punts and make special teams tackles.

While I like Stephens-Howling and what he could bring to the Steelers, his signing would not mean the end of Pittsburgh’s woes at the running back position.  As a role playing running back, LaRod would be best used on 3rd downs and in some pass-catching situations.  In addition, the gritty jitter-bug would help out on kick returns and coverage units, and maybe even field a punt or two.  Basically, Stephens-Howling could try to do what Chris Rainey was drafted to do, but never eventually did for the franchise before he was released earlier this year.  Thus, even if Stephens-Howling is signed by the club, they should and likely will be on the lookout for an “every down back” in this year’s Draft.

Even if Pittsburgh’s brass like LaRod and really want to add him to their roster, Colbert & Co. might have some trouble signing him if another team with more cap space than the Steelers enters the market for “The Hyphen.”  Hopefully the Johnstown, PA-native would take a “Western Pennsylvania discount” of sorts to go to Pittsburgh if that scenario occurred.  Plus, Stephens-Howling could be enticed to sign with the Steelers because the “3rd down back” and kick and punt returner roles should be his to lose.

While Pittsburgh’s brass are strapped financially, it is nevertheless comforting to see that they are trying to add depth through the free agent market before “Draft Weekend” later this month.

Depth is needed at center, guard, and inside linebacker at the moment so the interest in Caldwell and Gooden makes sense.  I should add that “Boss Todd’s” offense sorely lacks a “3rd down back,” and the special teams units lack an effective return man and disciplined coverage players.

At least to me, Stephens-Howling could be just the player to fill at least one of those roles and help Pittsburgh in some way next season.

Whether or not he will be offered a deal, or will sign with the team are completely different matters altogether though.

Readers: Should the Steelers try to sign Stephens-Howling?  Why or Why Not?

Stats Courtesy of: Pro Football Reference.com and ESPN.com