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Steeler Nation Reacts To Ryan Shazier Draft Pick

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Once again, the Steelers picked up a defensive player in the NFL Draft, selecting a linebacker from Ohio State.

Ryan Shazier was the 15th overall pick.

"I feel like they always take like a linebacker or a lineman, so I thought they should have taken a wide receiver," said Steeler Fan Allan Williams. "They haven't taken one since Plaxico, so year, I think they should have."

Instead, they chose Ohio State's Ryan Shazier, a speed burning linebacker who may not be huge, but can flat out fly to the ball.

"If you look at most of the other players in the NFL today, they are slimming down," said Aaron Huff of Oakland. "They are smaller. Johnny Manziel is 6 foot. But I think it will be a good pick."

Shazier's speed reminds one Steeler fan of what he saw in the Super Bowl last year.

"I picked Seattle at the beginning of the year, because they have been doing good year after year after year," said Hank Machaj of Moon Township. "When they did it, alright. I'd like to see Pittsburgh do it this year."

We talked to a lot of fans Friday about size and speed and the number of tackles that Shazier had. But for one man in particular, a number that never shows up on the state sheet – and that is a player's character.

"That's the type of guy they have always taken," said Lindsay Hargrove of Westview. "I've been a little taken aback by some of the things over the last several years. Those are young men. Understand that as young men you make mistakes. Nevertheless, when you function on that level, those mistakes you can not make."

And while linebacker wasn't at the top of the wish list for most fans, they hope to get what they want later this weekend in rounds two through seven.

"We need a line," said Terry O'Neill of Turtle Creek. "We need an offensive line and we need help bad. That's my opinion."

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Steelers Take Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier In 1st Round Of Draft (5/8/14)
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