2013 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers draft Tavon Austin

If Austin is on the board when Pittsburgh goes on the clock, the Steelers may get the steal of the draft.

By Matt Verderame Apr 1, 2013, 9:36am EDT

In the latest edition of SB Nation's NFL mock draft by Dan Kadar, the Pittsburgh Steelers address their wide receiver situation by drafting Tavon Austin, the speedy playmaker out of West Virginia.

Austin has been mocked recently in the middle of the first round, with many believing the St. Louis Rams will snatch him up considering their lack of talent at the position. However, in this draft, St. Louis takes safety Kenny Vaccaro, opening the door for Austin to slide.

More: Extended draft analysis Extended Steelers coverage

Austin was a stud last season, racking up 114 catches for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns as Geno Smith's right-hand man. It's hard to see how Austin's game won't translate to the NFL with his excellent hands and blinding speed.

Some players simply know how to make plays. Austin is one of them.

After losing Mike Wallace to the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh has a need on the outside. The Steelers arguably have bigger holes on the defensive side of the ball at nose tackle and outside linebacker, but here Pittsburgh is content to give Ben Roethlisberger some more help.