NFL Draft: Steelers could use Brooks' speed to help secondary

With all the talk of drafting "tall" receivers, would the Steelers consider drafting the fastest safety in the NFL Combine?

Florida State's Terrence Brooks paced all safeties Tuesday in Indianapolis, running a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash. If that speed transcends onto the football field, Brooks could be an immense help for a Steelers secondary that will most likely be without Ryan Clark.

While he isn't the tallest safety in the draft at 5'11, 200 pounds, Brooks speed plus other intangibles make him an attractive draft choice. He was on the coaches All-ACC First Team in 2013 after playing a key role in the Seminoles national championship season. Brooks is a versatile defender that can also play close to the line of scrimmage. He tallied 56 tackles last season to go with eight tackles for loss, five passes defenses, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one recovered fumble and a sack.

His leadership and maturity is another facet that Steelers GM will could consider when considering Brooks. He was a four-year member of the Seminoles program who, according to his bio on Florida State's athletic website, "joined with Lamarcus Joyner in key leadership roles on both the defense and the team overall...credited for helping instill a level of maturity that has helped lead FSU into the BCS National Championship Game...had an incredibly high football IQ to go along with his natural ability."

According to ESPN's Scott Brown in his article on Brooks, Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin will surely consider the competition that Brooks competed against on a consistent basis. Brown stated that  Brooks occasionally practiced against FSU receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who is also being considered as a first round selection.

Brooks was already in the mix as one of the premier safeties in the draft before Tuesday's 40 time. That time coupled with his other skill sets could lead to him to suiting up with the Steel Curtain.