The Pittsburgh Steelers opted to pass on draft a physical running back who has drawn comparisons to Jerome Bettis and Barry Foster.
Instead of pulling the trigger on Alabama's tackle-breaking battering ram Eddie Lacy, the Steelers opted for the more well-rounded Le'Veon Bell of Michigan State with the No. 48 overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.
NFL '13 DRAFT XTRA
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A bigger back in his own right at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, Bell is more of a finesse runner with agility and passing-game skills.
Although Bell's short-area burst and elusiveness have drawn concerns from scouts, NFL.com's Bucky Brooks rated him as the best back in the draft after Bell racked up 1,793 yards and 12 touchdowns for Michigan State as a junior in 2012.
If Brooks' instincts are correct, the Steelers will end up with a Steven Jackson clone after passing on a back who has a chance at being the next Bettis.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
