Steelers trade up to get safety and record setting quarterback

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FOURTH ROUND PICK— Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones passes against Texas A&M during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

by Smokin’ Jim Frazier

The Steelers traded away their third round pick in 2014 to the Cleveland Browns to get an additional pick in the fourth round and then drafted a safety and a quarterback.

Safety Shamarko Thomas (5-9, 215), of Syracuse, led the team in tackles in 2012 and the defensive captain also led the team with three forced fumbles.  Thomas is a highly intense, vocal team leader who is physically tough.

Quarterback Landry Jones (6-4, 225), of Oklahoma, won the Sammy Baugh Award, given to the nation’s top passer in 2010.  Jones became the Big 12’s all-time leader in passing yards with 16,646 yards in 2012 and 123 touchdowns in four years.

Cornerback Terry Hawthorne (6-0, 195), of Illinois, led the team in interceptions in 2011 and was named the Kraft Hunger Bowl Defensive Player of the Game.  Hawthorne averaged 21-yards on punt returns and has kickoff return experience.

With their first pick in the sixth round the Steelers took Oklahoma wide-receiver Justin Brown.  With their second pick in the sixth round they grabbed middle linebacker Vince Williams of Florida State.

In the seventh round the Steelers selected defensive end Nick Williams of Samford and Pittsburgh also signed 15 undrafted rookies.

Undrafted Fee Agents Signed

Brian Arnfelt, DE, Northwestern

Alan Baxter, LB, Northern Illinois
Reggie Dunn, WR, Utah
Nik Embernate, OT, San Diego State
Mike Farrell, OT, Penn State
Mike Golic Jr., OL, Notre Dame
Cordian Hagans, DE, Louisiana-Lafayette
Chris Hubbard, G, UAB
Omar Hunter, DT, Florida
Luke Ingram, LS, Hawaii
Joe Madsen, C, West Virginia
Curtis McNeal, RB, Southern Cal
Anthony Rashad White, DT, Michigan State
Ivory Wade, C, Baylor
J.D. Woods, WR, West Virginia

 

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