Now that the draft has come and gone, its time for the final installment of my Steelers '14 draft series, looking at the actual scouting reports of this year's Draft Class.
OLB/ILB Ryan Shazier (Ohio St)
6-1, 237lbs
2013: 144 total tckls/7scks/4FF
'13 Butkus Award Finalist
combine: 25reps, 42in vertical jump
Shazier is a disruptive playmaker versus both the run and the pass. He plays behind the line of scrimmage. Has quick strong hands to shed and slip blocks. Striking tackler, as he can accelerate and change direction with ease. Can mark backs and tight-ends.
He's still developing eyes and instincts. Prone to over aggressiveness. Could improve reactions as a zone defender.
Ryan Shazier is a much needed piece for the Steelers. He could become the final part to the rebuild in the LB core, with last year's first rounder Jarvis Jones, along with Jason Worilds and Lawrence Timmons. This could be a LB crew that could be feared around the league for some time to come. Shazier's quickness will allow him to both help out the secondary in marking tight-ends, but also allow him to get to the pocket. His speed is what's needed for this Steelers D.
NFL.com grade - 6.3 (instant starter)
DE Stephon Tuitt (Notre Dame)
6-5, 304lbs
2013: 49 total tckls/7.5scks/1INT/1FF
combine: 31reps
Long armed to play off blocks. Holds his ground at the point of attack. Has excellent movement skills for his size. He's able to flatten or redirect efficiently. A strong wrap tackler. Disrupts passing lanes.
A monotone edge-rusher. His hip/shoulder stiffness shows when he attempts to bend the corner. Needs to become a better hands fighter and develop pass-rush moves.
Tuitt becomes that added pass rusher that the Steelers D needs. While Cameron Heyward started to come on last year, Ziggy Hood has largely been disappointing. With Brett Keisel's likely retirement, Tuitt can step in and become another effective piece in a young defense.
NFL.com grade - 6.14 (instant starter)
RB Dri Archer (Kent St)
5-8. 173lbs
2013: 68carries/527yds/6TDs, 25rec/327yds/4TDs
combine: 40- 4.26s, 20reps, 38in vertical jump
Has rare burst and acceleration along with top-end speed to take the corner and create big plays. Very good agility, balance and vision. Plucks the ball with ease. Good versatility as a back, receiver and especially returner.
Not a tackle-breaker and goes down easy on contact. Can be knocked off routes easily. Could do better securing the ball in traffic.
Archer has the potential to be the Steelers version of Darren Sproles. His speed and acceleration is ridiculous. He's put up 40 times similar to or better than Chris and Calvin Johnson. He can provide a spark and boost immediately on offense as a returner, providing them with field position. He can lineup in the slot, or as a typical back. A true offensive weapon.
NFL.com grade - 5.52 (chance to become starter)
WR Martavis Bryant (Clemson)
6-4, 211lbs
2013: 42rec/828yds/7TDs
combine: 40- 4.42s, 16reps, 39in vertical jump
Has very good straight line separation speed. Fairly shifty after the catch. A good red-zone target (effective back-shoulder). Has return experience. Flashes ability to climb the ladder.
Has shaky hands. Not a polished route runner. Lacks the toughness to work the middle.
The Steelers needed another young WR with the departures of Cotchery and Sanders, and Bryant provides them not only with that, but gives Big Ben that tall receiver he's been looking for. Bryant was overshadowed at times during his college career by Sammy Watkins, but Bryant is a big talent in his own right. He can contribute right away and develop into a solid receiver.
NFL.com grade - 5.32 (back-up/special teams)
CB Shaquille Richardson (Arizona)
6-0, 194lbs
2013: 55tckls/3INTs
He's quick and agile. He's aggressive at jumping routes and can make spectacular plays look easy.
He lacks eye discipline to sort out run-pass reads. He's late to locate the ball and support the run. He has marginal physicality.
The Steelers secondary has been an area of need for the past few years now. Richardson should be able to provide that secondary with added quickness and cover skills. He had a few character issues in college, but with the Steelers, he should be able to turn that around. He was one of the most athletic CBs of this draft class.
NFL.com grade - 5.1 (chance to make the roster)
OT Wesley Johnson (Vanderbilt)
6-5, 297lbs
combine: 40- 5.11s, 26reps, 29in vertical jump
Quick out of his stance. Light on his feet and can work his hips. Shuffles, slides and mirrors. Get to the second level with ease and can wheel around the edge as a puller. Durable and versatile (experienced across the line).
Light-anchor (stressed by power rushers). Has average explosion/pop on contact. Inconsistent connecting with moving targets and fitting on linebackers.
Johnson's versatility across the line would be an added bonus. He could be the next Doug Legursky for the Steelers. While he does need to bulk up a bit, he would provide the O-line with much added depth.
NFL.com grade - 5.31 (back-up/special teams)
OLB Jordan Zumwalt (UCLA)
6-4, 235lbs
2013: 91 total tckls/2INTs/1FF
combine: 40- 4.76s, 33in vertical jump
Explosive hitter. Times up the blitz well. Has very good football intelligence. Versatile defender. A defensive tone-setter. Plays big on big stages.
Doesn't play strong. Tight-hipped with average change of direction. Average knockback body power. Struggles to disengage from blocks when locked up. Has a limited coverage lane.
Another hard-hitter on the Steelers D. He can provide depth at LB with his versatility, but his strengths will also play on special teams (which has been a concern in the past with the Steelers special teams).
NFL.com grade - 5.25 (back-up/special teams)
DT Daniel McCullers (Tennessee)
6-7, 352lbs
2013: 21 solo tckls/0.5sck
combine: 27reps, 20.5in vertical jump
He occupies space and holds up multiple blockers. He can overpower zone blockers and is durable.
He doesn't always make plays outside the box. He has average body power and has limited pass-rush potential.
Mccullers can be a project, but has the potential to be a regular on the defensive line. He has a good amount of upside and provides depth at a much needed position for this defense.
NFL.com grade - 5.65 (could become starter)
TE Rob Blanchflower (UMass)
6-4, 256lbs
2013: 27rec/313yds/3TDs
Competitive run blocker (drives his legs and works to the finish). Functional pass protector. Will sell out his body to make difficult catches. Solid special-teams temperament.
Average athletic ability. Not a quick or savvy route runner. Limited creativity and elusiveness after the catch. Has inconsistent hands.
If he makes the roster, Blanchflower has the chance to be a solid possession and blocking tight-end to compliment Heath Miller.
NFL.com grade - 5.09 (better than average chance to make roster)
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