Four Rookies Signed
The Steelers are wasting no time in inking deals for their freshman class, as of today a total of four rookies have been signed to new deals. The first to sign his contract last Thursday was fourth round pick safety Shemarko Thomas from Syracuse, followed by Florida State linebacker Vince Willliams who was chosen in the sixth round. Both are expected to make an immediate impact as their is little depth at their respective positions. Both have had impressive college careers and will be making a strong push for starting positions, particularly Williams who was known in College as ‘the destroyer’.
Two more signing were announced today and they were wide receiver Markus Wheaton from Oregon State, selected in the third, and fifth round pick corner back Terry Hawthorne. At 5′ 11″ 182lbs, Wheaton is a bit light in stature, but possess’ good hands and is a savvy route runner, he is projected to fit as a slot receiver and will likely see playing time early on. Hawthorne will be competing with William Gay for the back up corner position and could see playing time in the nickel and dime defenses packages, assuming he has a good camp and pre-season.
Wide receiver and sixth round pick Justin Brown was also signed late today to a four year deal. Brown at 6′ 3″ 209lbs played his college ball at Penn State then transferred to University of Oklahoma in his senior year. In 39 college starts Brown recorded 146 catches for 1,926 yards and 8 touchdowns.
