2013 NFL mock draft: Steelers take Manti Te'o

Dan Kadar's latest 2013 NFL mock draft for SBNation.com is the latest to project that the Kansas City Chiefs will take West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith with the first overall pick. Here's Kadar's reasoning:

Smith is not the best player in the 2013 NFL Draft. We have him rated as the 16th best prospect overall. But it won't be a surprise for the Chiefs to use the top pick on him because of how desperately they need a starting quarterback. ... It's also true that Smith faded toward the end of the season, but he still has good talent. To really secure a top five draft position, Smith should participate in the Senior Bowl. His combine measurables will also be important – namely his hand size after he had issues holding the ball in the Pinstripe Bowl.

After watching Smith struggle down the stretch this season, it's hard to imagine him going at No. 1 overall, but that's exactly where most mock drafts project him.

Meanwhile, Kadar has the Steelers taking Notre Dame's Manti Te'o, who would be a great get for them, at the No. 17 overall pick. Te'o would take over for Larry Foote at linebacker. The Steelers, of course, have plenty of needs, including safety and wide receiver, and it's often hard to predict who they'll take, not only because they usually pick so late in the first round but because they don't draft primarily for need.