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2014 NFL Draft grades: Pittsburgh Steelers select Ryan Shazier

By Andrew Melnick

Sep 28, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (10) pumps up the crowd during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Ohio Stadium. Buckeyes beat the Badgers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (10) pumps up the crowd during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Ohio Stadium. Buckeyes beat the Badgers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (10) pumps up the crowd during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Ohio Stadium. Buckeyes beat the Badgers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (10) pumps up the crowd during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Ohio Stadium. Buckeyes beat the Badgers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected former Ohio State Buckeyes’ linebacker Ryan Shazier.

The selection of Shazier was a little of a surprise to many, but it probably shouldn’t be.

Shazier is an excellent player, but the Steelers had plenty of other needs. They seemingly are always in the running for an offensive lineman and former Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive tackle Zack Martin was still on the board. They also could really use a cornerback and former Michigan State Spartans’ cornerback Darqueze Dennard was left on the board. Dennard was considered the top cornerback prospect in the draft by several analysts and won the Thorpe Award as the country’s best defensive back last season.

Shazier also lacks ideal size at 6’1 and 237 pounds.

Of course, there is plenty of upside to Shazier. He is an absolute freak of an athlete, running an unofficial 40-yard dash of 4.36 seconds at his Pro Day. He is a solid defender against the run so he is a linebacker you never have to take off of the field. He is also a very good pass rusher, which is something defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will love.

Grade: B

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