2013 NFL Draft Grades: Pittsburgh Steelers

April 26, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones (left) is introduced at the UPMC Sports Complex by Steelers president Art Rooney II after being selected the Steelers number one pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2013 NFL Draft has come and gone, and now it’s time for some reflection. While some teams traded around to get who they want, others stood pat to see who would slide to them — and if there’s one thing to remember about this draft it’s players that slid around the rounds. But now that the draft is behind us, the all important grading phase has begun, so lets take a look at how the Pittsburgh Steelers did in this year’s NFL Draft.

Draft Picks

Jarvis Jones, linebacker, Georgia — Round 1 (17)
Le’Veon Bell, running back, Michigan State — Round 2 (48)
Markus Wheaton, wide receiver, Oregon State — Round 3 (79)
Shamarko Thomas, safety, Syracuse — Round 4 (111)
Landry Jones, quarterback, Oklahoma — Round 4 (115)
Terry Hawthorne, cornerback, Illinois — Round 5 (150)
Justin Brown, wide receiver, Oklahoma — Round 6 (186)
Vince Williams, linebacker, Florida State — Round 6 (206)
Nick Williams, defensive tackle, Samford — Round 7 (223)

Best Pick: Jarvis Jones

Jarvis Jones had some medical concerns that hurt his draft stock, but it turned out to be the Steelers lucky day. Pittsburgh was able to land the pass rushing linebacker to replace James Harrison, who they parted ways with this offseason. There is no more perfect player than Jones to step in to Harrison’s vacant role.

Worst Pick: Landry Jones

Throughout his college career, there were very few bright spots in Landry Jones career where he looked like a NFL signal-caller. Jones is certainly a developmental quarterback who will eventually be given a chance to be the team’s back up, but you have to think that the more talented players like Tyler Bray, Matt Scott or even Zac Dysert would have been much better options for the team.

Analysis: Other than the Landry Jones pick, Pittsburgh did an excellent job in finding playmakers that can develop in to solid stars with their early picks. In the later rounds, the Steelers added some players who will likely make their impact on special teams as they stay hungry and fight for a spot in the rotations.

2013 Draft Grade: B