2014 NFL Draft grades: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers entered the draft looking to bolster the defense and find a few playmakers for Ben Roethlisberger to get back to the postseason and the team executed their draft blueprint very well, although the fans may still be clamoring for help at cornerback and along the offensive line.

Best pick: Stephon Tuitt

Worst pick: Dri Archer

Analysis: Ryan Shazier is as fast as any linebacker to come into the league in some time. He can fly all over the field and is a clutch defender who makes big plays in big games. Tuitt is my favorite pick because he is the ideal fit as a 3-4 defensive end and immediately challenges for a starting position. He has incredible size and is a better prospect that former first rounders Cam Heyward and Ziggy Hood.

Archer ran a blazing 4.26 40 at the combine and the Steelers will hope he can do what they thought they were getting in Chris Rainey who they drafted a couple years ago before he was released for an off-the-field incident. I just have concerns about durability and how many touches he can get to be effective. If he can stay healthy, he is an interesting weapon thoug.

Martavis Bryant was overshadowed by Sammy Watkins at Clemson, but gives the Steelers a huge target in the passing game, which is something they have lacked.

Shaquille Richardson who was their first of two fifth rounders and he has great size for a cornerback. Wesley Johnson is a versatile offensive lineman who has played all over the line at Vanderbilt but will be a center for Pittsburgh. I like his football acumen and versatility to fill in at a number of positions as a valuable reserve. Jordan Zumwalt is a blue-collar type of player who should be a fan favorite at Pittsburgh. Daniel McCullers was their second sixth rounder and at 6-7, 350-pounds will get a shot at the nose tackle position, but he’s a project.

Grade: B+