Some posters asked for more information on the Steelers' picks after Round 5. Here ya go.
Round 5
Terry Hawthorne, CB, Illinois - Good size at 6-0, 190 pounds. Fits the Steelers profile for cornerbacks. A willing tackler. Played for a horrible college team in 2012 but appeared in 44 career games, making 26
starts and posting 163 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 1.0 sack, six interceptions, including two pick-sixes,
and 28 passes defended. Also returned kicks. Has above-average speed, running a 4.31 40 at the combine. MVP of his team's bowl win over UCLA in 2011 when he returned an interception for a score.
Round 6A
Justin Brown, WR, Oklahoma - Transferred from Penn State. Excellent size at 6-3, 209. Started
39 of 49 games played in his career, registering 146 receptions for 1,926 yards (13.2 avg.) with
eight receiving touchdowns. Recorded 637 yards on 71 career punt returns (9.0 avg.) with one
touchdown. Not a burner, but ran 4.6 at his pro day. Was fourth-round pick Landry Jones' top target in 2012.
Round 6B
Vince Williams, LB, Florida State - Played in 50 games during his career, starting 26 games during his final two seasons. Though listed at 6-1, 250, he was 6-0 1/2, 233 at his pro day. Reasonably productive with 140 tackles (86 solo), three sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, seven passes defensed and one interception in his career. Sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. Played on an outstanding college defense with plenty of other pro talent around him and finished fourth with 59 tackles. Was one of four team captains his senior year and was given the defense's leadership award at the conclusion of the season. Missed all of 2009 with a back injury.
Round 7
Nicholas Williams, DE, 6-4, 309 - Didn't take up football until his senior year in high school, focusing on basketball before that. Wound up at Samford. Ran a freakish 4.84 40 at the combine, where he was a surprise invite. Not only led defensive tackles in the 40-time at the combine, but had the best vertical leap - 33 inches - as well. Think a poor man's Ziggy Ansah with more size.
The Hawthorne pick was a sneaky one. He's fast, athletic, an above average tackler, and had a pretty good showing at the Senior Bowl. If he played on a defense with more talent around him, he might have been a third-round option.
ReplyDeleteHe should be able to contribute on special teams in 2013. Maybe I'm too optimistic, but I see Keenan Lewis-like potential with this guy. Could be a starter in 2015.
Couldn't agree more. When I watched the pick, I had no idea who the guy was but after listening to Carnell Lake's presser and doing some research on his career one cannot help but be excited about the value we got here. Only reason he slipped to round 5 was because he chose to come back to Illinois for his senior year and finish his degree. (Hawthorne is a very proud East St. Louis High School alum who grew up in a rough neighborhood and wanted to become an example for the youth in the community.) He was slotted to be a day 2 of the draft caliber corner if he would have made the jump following his junior season. Nasty concussion late in season scared teams away. He runs a 4.31 legitimately and is a capable kick returner as well.
DeleteThis draft reeks of high character, classy guys. The Steelers are drafting potential leaders in the future.
to nicholas williams, you will be my favorite player if you can win a starting job on the d-line and wreak havoc like a. smith used to do.
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen a ton of tape on this guy, the little bit have seen he shows flashes but is ultimately pretty raw. Measurables are off the charts for his, would have to think that he could potentially become more effective than Ziggy Hood will be two years from now.
DeleteTwo years might be a stretch. It took Keisel a few years before he was ready. And he was more polished than this kid. But Mitch has a track record of taking guys and turning them into solid player. He likes the kid. Mitch will shower him with tough love. Some kids blossom with that, some fold.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dale!
ReplyDeleteA lot of people are big on Hawthorne. Ik Kiper(for what it's worth) loved the pick.
I also didn't realize the Jones-Brown connection, should help Jones in preseason.
I like the gamble on hit-or-miss guys there in 6A and 7.
Carnell Lake's presser and doing some research on his career one cannot help but be excited about the value we got here. Only reason he slipped to round 5 was because he chose to come back to Illinois for his senior year and finish his degree.
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Hey Dale,
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me why Ta'amu isn't at the rookie camp this weekend?
@ Kelly
ReplyDeleteHe isn't a rookie.
Yes, I know, but it's a rookie AND first year camp, so....
ReplyDeleteoops... 2nd.
ReplyDeleteFound some info on the Steelers site - As per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a rookie is any player who never has signed an NFL player contract, or who only has signed an NFL practice squad player contract. A first-year is one who has signed an NFL player contract but who does not yet have a season of pension credit. To receive a pension credit a player must spend three games on the active or inactive list, on injured reserve, or on PUP during the regular season or the postseason.
ReplyDelete