NFL Mock Draft 2013: Steelers take Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh needs to replace Mike Wallace and could try to with the pick of Patterson in the first round.

By Matt Verderame Apr 22, 2013, 10:30am EDT

In SB Nation's latest NFL mock draft, Dan Kadar has the Pittsburgh Steelers drafting Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson with the No. 17 overall pick.

Patterson is perhaps the best receiving prospect in the draft along with West Virginia Mountaineers speedster Tavon Austin. At 6'3 and 216 pounds, Patterson is a big-bodied receiver who can get separation and play outside the numbers with great effectiveness.

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Last season, Patterson racked up 46 catches, 778 yards and five touchdowns with NFL prospect Tyler Bray throwing him the ball. Patterson also showed off his speed when he was given the ball as a runner, getting 25 carries and getting 308 yards with three scores.

Patterson would be expected to start on the outside opposite of Antonio Brown after Pittsburgh let Mike Wallace walk to the warm beaches of South Beach and the Miami Dolphins.

Other options could be outside linebacker and cornerback for the Steelers, who desperately need to get younger on that side of the ball.