PITTSBURGH -- I wrote earlier about how critical the development of outside linebacker Jarvis Jones is to the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense.
The Steelers will also lean heavily on a handful of players from their 2013 draft class. Here is a quick look at the first part of that class. The second will run later Monday.
Second-round pick: RB Le'Veon Bell
What he did as a rookie: Totaled 1,259 yards from scrimmage, breaking the Steelers' rookie record that had been held by Franco Harris. Bell displayed toughness and versatility and improved as a runner the more he adjusted to the speed at this level.
His projected role for this season: Bell will start but also share carries with LeGarrette Blount and probably lose out on goal-line totes to the latter. The Michigan State product has to improve on his 3.5 yards per carry in 2013. His recent arrest on charges of marijuana possession and driving under the influence probably won't result in a team suspension or any missed games.
Notable player taken after him in 2013 draft: Eddie Lacy. The fourth of five running backs taken in the second round made the Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers last season.
Third-round pick: WR Markus Wheaton
What he did as a rookie: A broken pinkie and complications from it limited Wheaton to 152 snaps last season. The Oregon State product caught just six passes for 64 yards.
His projected role for this season: Wheaton is clearly the Steelers' No. 2 wide receiver, and he must emerge this season to keep opposing teams from paying too much attention to Pro Bowler Antonio Brown. The 5-11, 182-pounder has the potential to become a productive NFL wide receiver, and he will get every opportunity this season to show what he can do.
Notable player taken after him in 2013 draft: Jordan Reed. The athletic tight end is a candidate for a breakout season after catching 45 passes for 499 yards and three touchdowns in 2013 for the Washington Redskins.
Fourth-round pick: S Shamarko Thomas
What he did as a rookie: Played in the Steelers' quarter package (three safeties and three cornerbacks) before sustaining a high ankle sprain midway through the season. Will Allen replaced Thomas and played well enough to relegate the Syracuse product to special teams duty after he returned from his injury.
His projected role for this season: Thomas should get playing time in the Steelers' sub packages even with Allen back for another season. The 5-9, 217-pounder has made significant improvement and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has to find ways to get him onto the field.
Notable player taken after him in 2013 draft: B.W. Webb. Taken three picks after Thomas, Webb is on the Steelers' 53-man roster. The Steelers picked up the former William & Mary cornerback after the Dallas Cowboys released Webb last Thursday.