The Pittsburgh Steelers had a lot of work to do in the 2014 NFL Draft. They finished last year with an 8-8 record and were a playoff team if not for a Ryan Succop missed field goal. They had the difficult task of having slightly above three million dollars to spend this offseason, where they were able to bring in Safety Mike Mitchell, Receiver Lance Moore, and Running Back LeGarrette Blount.
With all that behind them they were in desperate need of a solid draft. Which as far as I am concerned they had a solid draft. They had nine picks to deal with and needed to hit it big with each and every pick.
First Round, 15th Pick: Ryan Shazier, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State
Ryan Shazier could be one of the most versatile players in the whole draft. The Steelers could of drafted nearly any position in the first but definitely hit it out of the park with Shazier. He eventually fits best to me as a pass rushing inside linebacker which as crazy as it may sound it does make sense. Shazier will be an impact player for years to come. Grade: A
Second Round, 46th Pick: Stephon Tuitt, Defensive Lineman, Notre Dame
I would not have been surprised if Tuitt went in the first round but was not shocked to see him in the second. Tuitt has the ability to play inside or outside on that defensive line, which could force some of the older players on that defensive line to retire. Grade: B-
Third Round, 97th Pick: Dri Archer, Offensive Weapon, Kent State
Archer is one of the most electrifying players in the draft there is no question about that. He is confusing in that he doesn’t really have a position. I don’t personally really see the fit for the Steelers. Grade: C-
Fourth Round, 118th Pick: Martavis Bryant, Wide Receiver, Clemson
Martavis Bryant in the fourth round was great value. His ability to stretch the field is almost incomparable in this draft class. Bryant in the fourth is a better pick then Cooks in the first. Grade: B
Fifth Round, 157th Pick: Shaquille Richardson, Wide Reciever, UCLA
I like this pick as a depth pick. I don’t necessarily love the player fit but the Steelers needed to address depth at all positions in this draft because of their lack of salary cap space. Grade: C+
Fifth Round, 173rd Pick: Wesley Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Vanderbilt
Again, they needed help at offensive line in the worst way and Johnson could be a nice backup in 1-2 years. I think the pick is more of a depth move than anything else. Grade: C+
Sixth Round, 192nd Pick: Jordan Zumwalt, Outside Linebacker, UCLA
Excellent value here with Zumwalt I personally had him as a fourth round player who can bring a lot to the right team. They released Woodley and needed to fill that void by committee. Grade: B-
Sixth Round, 215th Pick: Daniel McCullers, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee
I felt they could have gone different ways with this pick. They had some other needs that they could have addressed here. McCullers is not a terrible player but he is doesn’t quite grade out as a starter down the road. Grade: D+
Seventh Round, 230th Pick: Rob Blanchflower, Tight End, UMass
I could go either way on this pick. I felt they could of addressed the depth of the secondary here a little more. If they would have went with a young safety here to develop this pick would have been perfect. Grade: C-
Final Grade: B