NFL Draft 2013: Arthur Brown Could Continue the Evolution of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defense

Arthur Brown could be the next great Steelers linebacker.

In two days, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will step towards the podium at Radio City Music Hall in New York to announce that the Pittsburgh Steelers will draft….

And that is where the story ends for now.

Only twice since 2004 have the Pittsburgh Steelers selected as high in the draft as they will this year. The first time they came away with a young quarterback who would quickly lead his team to two Super Bowl championships, Ben Roethlisberger. The second time they would land one of their current defensive leaders n Lawrence Timmons. The Steelers will pick 17th, the highest they have picked since they took Maurkice Pouncey 18th overall in 2010.

Steelers’ general manager Kevin Colbert said at a recent press conference, “I doubt that we move up. I think the more picks we have the better, in this draft particularly. But there will be a good player at 17, there’s no question about that.” Colbert didn’t tip his hand in any particular direction, but former Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones believes that he is atop their board, while safeties Jonathan Cyprien or Kenny Vaccaro could be considerations. Tank Carradine’s potential could tempt them also or a defensive lineman.

The best prospect for the Steelers may be inside linebacker Arthur Brown. Brown has been a favorite of the online scout community for some time, but most of the mainstream media is just beginning to recognize his potential as a top 20 pick. A product of Kansas, most of the skepticism surrounding Brown’s NFL projection is sourced from his size. Brown is just 6′ and 240 points. He has the frame to add bulk, but will definitely be under pressure to do so on the next level.