2013 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Predicting Picks 11-21
By Baily Deeter
September 8, 2012; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) scores a touchdown ahead of Southern Utah Thunderbirds defensive back Tyree Mills (6) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 50-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
17. Pittsburgh Steelers-Keenan Allen, WR, California
The Rams would love to nab Warmack and Keenan Allen in the first round, but Pittsburgh could burst that bubble.
After losing prized receiver Mike Wallace to the Dolphins, the Steelers have a thin receiving corps. Pittsburgh ranked first in total defense last year, and there isn’t much work that needs to be done on the defensive side of the ball. However, there won’t be any legitimate playmaking receivers when Pittsburgh picks 48th, so if the Steelers want to upgrade the offense, they’ll need to do it with this pick.
Allen is a capable wide receiver with great hands and while his 40-yard dash time (4.71) was poor, he isn’t slow. Allen played just nine games in 2012, but he showed that he is capable of turning in mind-blowing performances. One of those performances came when Allen caught 11 passes for 166 yards against Washington State on Saturday, October 13, and he did this with the wildly inaccurate Zach Maynard as his quarterback.
Oh, and Allen caught 98 passes in 2011 with Maynard as his quarterback.
Pittsburgh needs an explosive receiver to help Roethlisberger, and Allen is a perfect fit. The defense is great, but the offense needs improvement. Roethlisberger has a strong arm and would benefit from a deep threat who can get open anywhere on the field. Allen isn’t the best receiver, but he’s definitely capable.
After all, Wallace was picked 84th in the 2009 NFL Draft.