Steelers 2013 Draft Needs: Quarterback + (Punter & Kicker)

Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin play it close to the vest. Both men made it through their press conference prior to the 2013 NFL Draft without mentioning the name of a single collegiate player.

Colbert, however, did let his field craft slip at the NFL owners meetings when he refused to rule out drafting a quarterback in the upcoming draft.

In years past that’s the only position he’s ruled out drafting.

• Don’t be fooled though, the Steelers will not draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft

However, the Steelers could be in the market for a quarterback sooner than in year’s past, not having taken a signal callers since drafting Dennis Dixon in the 5th round of their now maligned 2008 NFL Draft Class.

Ben Roethlisberger is entrenched as the Steelers starter, he’s only 31 and still has 3 years left on the contract he signed in 2008. Yes Ben is getting older, and that process may be sped up by the hits and injuries he’s taken.

But it is too early to think of grooming let alone drafting a successor.

• And the Steelers have glaring needs elsewhere. 

With Bruce Gradowski under contract for two years, and the option of bringing back Charlie Batch apparently still viable, the Steelers should in no way think quarterback before day three of the draft, if even then.

Forget About Kickers and Punters

Same goes for kickers and punters. While Drew Butler can improve, there’s no need to use a draft pick on a punter – we saw what happened the last time they did that.  And Shaun Suisham kicked incredibly well in 2012. Drafting a kicker would be a waste.

Thanks for visiting. Click here to check out the rest of Steel Curtain Rising. Or... Follow @SteelCurtainRis