With the 15th Pick of the 2014 Draft the Steelers Select: Ryan Shazier
- Updated: May 8, 2014
Why this works: Shazier is among the best athletes in the draft and reminds me of Pittsburgh’s Lawrence Timmons. He adds speed and pop to an aging defense. I thought cornerback was a more pressing need, but Shazier is one of my top-rated players.
Draft Day Grade: B+
Player Profiles courtesy of Nick Sardina – Editor Football Memo
Ryan Shazier, LB, 6-1, 237, Ohio State
Strengths: As good an athlete as there is in this draft. … Fast, quick and strong, Shazier specializes in space and can run and hit with the best of them. … Has good recognition and he’ll rack up the tackles from sideline to sideline. … Very physical tackler. … Drives up and through ball carriers. … Eludes stalk blocks well and gets to the ball carrier. … Has versatility to play weak side linebacker in base sets and middle linebacker in sub-packages. … Can rush the passer and is athletic enough to become a good option in coverage. … Has ability to be terror on coverage teams early in career.
Weaknesses: Needs to add a little bulk and strength. … Once engaged by offensive linemen, has some trouble getting off blocks. … Must learn better technique while taking on blocks then scraping to the tackle. … Can’t wait for blocker to get to him … must attack and meet blocker in the hole. … Needs to work on taking better angles when lining up runners in the open field. … Does need to sharpen his coverage skills.
Conclusion: Shazier’s ability really translates well to the NFL game. He has everything you look for in a weak side linebacker. … Plus he is scheme versatile. … I think Shazier is one of the safer picks in the draft and also has plenty of room for improvement, which is the perfect scenario when you’re looking to draft a prospect. It shouldn’t take long for him to make an impact.
NFL comparison: Lawrence Timmons/Thomas Davis.
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