clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

NFL Mock Draft 2013: Steelers linked to DT Jesse Williams

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be drafting earlier than usual in 2013, and are thought to be looking on the lines.

Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE

It's that time of year again, where the NFL playoffs go into full swing for 12 teams and the other 20 start looking ahead for 2013. Of course, that means NFL mock drafts if your team is one of those unhappy 20.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they have that surprising reality, and will certainly be looking to improve in a number of areas. At CBSSports.com, analyst Rob Rang has the Steelers taking defensive tackle Jesse Williams with the 17th overall pick, beefing up a line that could use an infusion of youth.

Williams comes form the Alabama Crimson Tide and would certainly provide a mentor for the aging Casey Hampton. In his senior season, Williams has been a standout for Nick Saban's team and has shown the ability to bench press over 600 pounds.

Also at CBS, Dane Brugler has Pittsburgh staying on the defensive side of the ball but going after Johnthan Banks, a cornerback out of Mississippi State.

The senior has good size at 6'2'' and 185 pounds and as a junior was named to the AP All-SEC second team in 2011.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.