2014 NFL Draft: Steelers Select Stephon Tuitt and Dri Archer

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The Steelers continued to improve on Friday night. After drafting outside linebacker Ryan Shazier on Thursday, the Steelers drafted defensive end Stephon Tuitt and running back Dri Archer on Friday night.

At 6 foot-5 and 304 pounds, Stephon Tuitt fills a need for the Steelers along the defensive line. Some had Tuitt projected to go in the late first round or early second round. He fell into the middle of the second round, and right into the Steelers’ hands.

Tuitt has good size for a five-technique defensive end. With his long arms, Tuitt can get off blocks. He can shed blocks and has excellent movement for someone of his size. The Notre Dame product was productive in college, finishing with 20.5 sacks in 28 career starts. With 31 reps in the bench press at the 2014 NFL Combine, Tuitt showed his impressive strength. Tuitt is a great scheme fit for the Steelers in the 3-4. As Brett Keisel continues to get closer to retirement, the Steelers were smart in drafting Tuitt. If Tuitt can keep his weight down, this could be a great pick for the Steelers.

Via NFL.com’s Nolan Nawrocki:

“Boy does this pick make a lot of sense for Pittsburgh. Remember Brett Keisel, who has played that position for the Steelers at a high level but will probably retire. Tuitt has first-round talent. He can play inside or outside. When healthy he’s explosive. I’ve had an opportunity to watch this kid play at Notre Dame for the last three years. He can stack and shed to make a tackle. Occasionally he can get stuck on blocks if he’s tired.” — Mike Mayock

The Steelers improved their defensive line with this pick. The future continues to look bright with Cameron Hayward, Steve McLendon, and Tuitt.

Pittsburgh also found help for Ben Roethlisberger with the selection of Dri Archer. Archer can play running back and wide receiver. He is extremely fast and agile. Dri Archer ran the 40 yard dash in an amazing 4.26 seconds. He’s not very big, as he’s only 5 foot-8 and weighs 173 pounds. His small frame brings up injury and ball security issues, but the Steelers needed a speed back, and Archer is exactly that and then some. With Le’Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount, and Archer, the Steelers have a good group of running backs and have provided plenty of help for Ben Roethlisberger, who has already won the Super Bowl twice.

Via NFL.com’s Nolan Nawrocki:

“He lined up at tailback, but he did move around.. The question is, how do you manufacture touches with this guy? He’s a speed guy, but at 173 pounds there aren’t a lot of guys like that in the NFL. Some of the guys that remind me of him are Tavon Austin, Dexter McCluster and Ace Sanders.” — Mike Mayock

The downside of these picks for the Steelers is that they still haven’t drafted a cornerback. Cornerback is a major need for Pittsburgh with Ike Taylor getting closer to retirement. Cortez Allen must step up, but the Steelers do need another cornerback. The good news is that the Steelers do have a track record of successful picks late in the draft.

With the picks of Shazier, Tuitt, and Archer, the Steelers filled major needs (OLB, DL, speed back/WR) and improved their team. They still likely need a cornerback, offensive lineman, and a big wide receiver.

Information from NFL.com was used in this article.

Xaivier Carr Jaxson is an analyst and writer for Tru School Sports. Follow him on Twitter.