Evaluating the Steelers’ Draft five years later — 2013: A bust or much better?



... put your grade on the draft

While Mel Kiper may go on and on about how well a team does in its contemporary draft, the truth is that the quality of an NFL draft class can only be determined five years later.

So, if that is true, how good was the Steelers’ 2013 draft? A dream or a dud?

The picks:

1. Jarvis Jones, LB

2. Le’Veon Bell, RB

3. Markus Wheaton, WR

4. Shamarko Thomas, S

4. Landry Jones, QB

5. Terry Hawthorne, WR

6. Justin Brown, WR

6. Vince Williams, LB

7. Nicholas Williams, DE

When you have a productive Pro Bowl player like Le’Veon Bell in it, the draft cannot certainly be a bust. Bell has had significant character issues and may sit out this year, missing part of others because of drug issues. However, this was a very good second round pick.

Vince Williams is starting at LB, and while not on the level of Lawrence Timmons, a former first-round pick, he is adequate and good for a sixth rounder.

Other than that, it was a veritable bust. 

Other than Le'Veon

Jarvis Jones? He is no longer in the game, hurt by injuries but more because of a lack of talent. He was a 2-time All-American in college, but underachieved. He is now out of football.

Markus Wheaton just never did much for the Steelers. He has just 110 receptions in five years, and the Steelers dumped him to the Bears in his fourth season. He looked promising with 53 catches in his second year, but never did any better.

Shamarko Thomas was a player the Steelers loved since he was a great hitter, and at one point some thought he would be heir apparent to Troy Polamalu. Never happened. Just another bust after demonstrating some promise.

Landry Jones? Best thing that can be said here is that since his buddy is no longer the O.C., Landry may be fourth string and out of camp since Dobbs and Mason appear to be the top backups.

Grade: C+ Not a bust, but not great either.

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