Steelers Mock Draft: Pittsburgh adds youth to the trenches
By Edward Hunt
Round Four, Pick 18: J.R. Reed, S, Georgia
The Steelers could have a good find in the middle of the fourth-round. Reed his not as highly touted as guys like Antoine Winfield, but I think he will be just as effective at the next level.
The Steelers need a #3 safety as they will want to bring one out in the dime package. Certainly, they will prefer bringing out Hilton and Sutton in the dime, but some situations call for an extra safety.
Jordan Dangerfield will be on the team next year, but his primary calling is special teams. I do think he flashes at times at safety, but I think they should get a higher pedigree guy to take on the #3 safety role.
What I like about JR Reed is that you can do many things with him. He is a good tackler who is good at getting off blocks and can add something as a blitzer. I also think he can help you in pass defense as he can cover in the slot and has good range as a safety.
Reed is more the deep safety type; so, he can play deep while the Steelers bring Edmunds into the box. I think he could play strong safety in a pinch, but his strength is free safety.
Reed would be very good value in round four and I would bet he makes your 53 man roster out of camp. This pick would shore up the safety position which has been transitioning for the past couple years.