The Steelers have signed first-round pick Ryan Shazier, the team announced (via Twitter). The former Ohio State linebacker was taken with the 15th overall selection.
The 6’1″, 237-pounder played three seasons with the Buckeyes, compiling 306 tackles, 14 sacks and nine forced fumbles. As a senior, Shazier was named as an Associated Press first-team All-American. While it may have been in the team’s best interest to add a cornerback to their aging defensive back core, the Steelers couldn’t pass up the talent of the 21-year-old.
“You have to put the blinders on to the ‘need’ word,” said general manager Kevin Colbert (via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) . “We’re well aware of who we have on our team, but when we can add a player of quality it will over-ride a need any time.”
Shazier is likely to compete with last year’s starter, Vince Williams, for first-team reps.