Should the Steelers Draft a RB in the first round?

[SteelerFan448]

We've been discussing this in multiple threads and I wanted to get some ideas in one place.

While I would be happy to have Harris or Etienne on the Steelers, I just don't see the value of drafting a running back in the first round.

1. The NFL is a passing league. Yes, the Steelers need to improve their ground game, but they need to do so while keeping in mind that you need to be able to throw the ball. Are either of the top two running backs enough to put the team over the top this year? I personally don't see it so I want to find another way to build to compete this year and into the future.

2. Without an improved offensive line, any first-round running back would be limited. Our running backs don't have great vision and left yards on the table. However, if you watch the line on run plays, the blocking is a mess. Part of it is philosophy--the lack of commitment to the run by the coaching staff. The other part is lack of talent. Pouncey was overpowered in the middle. DeCastro saw a steep drop in his play either due to injury or age. Feiler is better in pass protection than run blocking and the same with Dotson. Chuks is a weak link for the ground game. Factor in the tight ends as well and the Steelers could improve across the board.

3. There is little value in drafting a running back in the first round. Saquon is clearly a great back, but he's injured and the Giants have still been one of the worst teams in the league with him in the backfield. If you look at the top-20 rushing leaders this year you have: 4-1st rounders, 7-2nd rounders, 6-3rd rounders, 1-5th rounder, 2-UDFAs. (I do acknowledge that Saquon and CMC would likely be on this list if they were healthy. Again, two of the top backs in the league are doing little to elevate their teams to the next level). Value is in the 2nd and 3rd rounds and there are some good players who could be very good at the next level including Javonte Williams and Kenneth Gainwell.

4. Part of the reason there's value on Day 2 is because running backs are one-contract players. The average age of the top-20 rushers is 24.1 years old. The oldest on the list are 27 (Henry, Gordon, and Drake). Harris would be 28 at the end of his first contract, Etienne 27. I know this is a fantasy site, but it at least gives some ideas on production and you can see a drop off after age 28: https://apexfantasyleagues.com/2020/02/the-peak-age-for-an-nfl-running-back/. This seems to be supported by NFL teams as this site (https://fftoolbox.fulltimefantasy.com/football/2020/old-running-backs.cfm) identifies 17 running backs 29 or older entering the 2020 NFL season. If you don't want to click the link, it's not an impressive list.

5. The Steelers have one offensive lineman signed beyond 2021. They have a gaping hole at center and assuming Big Al leaves, it's either Chuks, a low-mid tier UFA signing, or a rookie to start at LT. The Steelers won a Super Bowl with maybe the worst line in the NFL, but that's when they had Ben in his prime and one of the best defenses in team history. They don't have either right now. A rebuilt OL will go a long way in protecting either Ben or whoever the new QB is moving forward. It's a 10-year investment. Just about every playoff team had a good offensive line entering the playoffs (of course the Chiefs got decimated with injuries). A strong OL is a way to improve a team for the long term.

6. If not OL, the Steelers could use a number of other positions if good players fall or if they're willing to trade up. QB is a need. Another athlete at ILB isn't a bad option after watching White and David dominate in this playoff run for the Bucs. Depending on what happens with the CBs, a future starter at CB could be a need. There always potential a luxury position could fall and be too good to pass up. It's just if you value these other positions more than finding an upgrade at running back.


Someone sell me why we should draft Harris or Etienne in the first.

 

[Drink IRON City]

2 of the first 3 rounds should be OL provided value is there. LT and a C or my targets. NO I do not see a need for RB in round one. If our line is medium, then a 1st rnd RB is not going to be much use.

PS Nice post 448


Salute the nation

 

[slashsteel]

If BPA is clearly RB you pull the trigger sure. But with so many needs I prefer a trade up for a T or a trade down pick up a pick and a C. A lot has to do with who is off the board by the Steelers pick. But with the need for a C amped up perhaps they wheel and deal with that in mind. Then again free agency might play a hand in this scenerio too. All I know is the Steelers need three new starters at RB, T, and C.

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[TDX27]

If Etienne or Harris are there, I take them. Sure, we need to improve the line but grab a FA here and/or there, add in a couple draft picks and bring back improving guys from last year and we are better already. Improving the line isn't going to magically happen overnight. They can easily make improvements this year and some more next year, especially with the old men, Pouncey, Villa and DeCastro all 3 probably gone after 2021.

Etienne or Harris alone could have caught a few passes or run for a yard and made even 20% of the 3rd and shorts or 4th and shorts that we couldn't make. That is, if the coaches know how to call plays. And,, we all know that's really where our biggest problem probably lies

 

[bigben]

It is a passing league. But all the best running teams/ top backs in the league, made the playoffs.
Kamara, jones, hunt/chubb, Henry.
A solid running game is still very important.
Steelers are a prime example of going from a top tier back to a backup, and paying for it. Run game has been bottom of the barrel the last few years.
That said Tomlin and Ben had the best RB/Wr combo in the league for multiple seasons and couldn't win a playoff game.
A top tier RB would be little more than as Mike would say"window dressing" for another mediocre Tomlin team.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Etienne or Harris alone could have caught a few passes or run for a yard and made even 20% of the 3rd and shorts or 4th and shorts that we couldn't make. That is, if the coaches know how to call plays. And,, we all know that's really where our biggest problem probably lies

This did not convince me to draft one in the first round.

It is a passing league. But all the best running teams/ top backs in the league, made the playoffs.
Kamara, jones, hunt/chubb, Henry.
A solid running game is still very important.
Steelers are a prime example of going from a top tier back to a backup, and paying for it. Run game has been bottom of the barrel the last few years.
That said Tomlin and Ben had the best RB/Wr combo in the league for multiple seasons and couldn't win a playoff game.
A top tier RB would be little more than as Mike would say"window dressing" for another mediocre Tomlin team.

While true, Kamara (3rd), Jones (5th), Hunt (3rd), Chubb (2nd), Henry (2nd) all weren't drafted in the first round. As you said, it's "window dressing" on what could be a mediocre team over the next few years.

 

[bermudasteel]

Currently, the Steelers have THE WORST RUNNING BACKS IN THE AFCN.

Yes, we need to get younger and better up front. But as I continue to state - this draft is deeper at OL than RBs.

Coach Canada will be able to make this offense a real threat with a premiere RB. I don't see any real drop off from Juju to Washington. Picking up another WR late will suffice.

Lest I forget...

RTR pick Najee!!!

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[SteelerFan448]

Najee is good, but I don’t see where he alone overcomes all of the downsides of picking a RB in the first. I also think you are selling JuJu way short. He is head and shoulders better than Washington.

 

[slashsteel]

Najee is good, but I don’t see where he alone overcomes all of the downsides of picking a RB in the first. I also think you are selling JuJu way short. He is head and shoulders better than Washington.

Good thing is this draft is strong at T and C value is there in 2/3. So they could go RB in 1 if they were clearly. BPA. All things equal I think you have to go T as that LT spot is all so important. You want some competition there. If Darrisaw is there at 20 I pull the trigger in a trade up. He tops my board for possible Steelers targets.

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[Superman]

IMO, the coaching staff will likely be looking to flip Chuks to LT and let either Hawkins or Banner (assuming we re-sign him) be the RT. Dotson is our new LG, as Feiler's likely to sign elsewhere. If history holds true, look for us to sign a mid-level Center or make a trade for a Center prior to the draft. We rarely ever go into a draft with a glaring hole. Ted Karras of Miami might be getting a call from us. Not a high-caliber nor a high-dollar player. He could hold down the position for a year or two - which is what we usually look to do when filling holes. If so, our OL will look like:

Okorafor - Dotson - Karras - DeCastro - Hawkins/Banner

it's an offensive line. Not a high quality one, but is offensive (both words) on paper. But, it keeps us from reaching for a player.

I'd expect us to go BPA early, as usual. However, I believe that if Alex Leatherwood is there when we pick, he'll be a Steeler. Taking this big mufuker will keep some semblance on the OL, as he can step right in at LT and we won't have the carousel of swapping guys around. Round 2 is where it gets dicey. None of the RBs we currently have rostered are true RBs. They each have their own traits. Snell is more of a bruiser, while Samuels is more of a 3rd down back. McFarland? Dude has zero patience and runs like his hair is on fire. Loads of speed, zero patience (though the OL sucked towards the end of the year). Frankly, we dont know what we have in this guy.

I thought Gainwell might be our pick in the 2nd until looking at his profile. 5'11, 191lbs. Lightweight, and doesnt really measure up to even being a poor man's Alvin Kamara. Same skill set, but Kamara is 25 pounds heavier.

While the RBs we have aren't inspirational, they're at least serviceable. Though putting any in at any time will likely tip our hand at the play. Could we bring in a Free Agent? Rumor has it we're interested in Aaron Jones. Pipe dream. Won't happen. Though Jones' former teammate - Jammal Williams - is also a free agent. As is Marlon Mack. Mack could be a diamond in the rough forced out due to injury, though its hard to determine a market value for a guy having torn his achilles last season. I kind of expect us to go for Williams, thus removing ourselves from drafting a RB.

If we take Leatherwood, history should predict us taking defense in the 2nd.

 

[ChampYINZ]

If Harris is there when they pick it’ll be him. He has to be the Steelers most desired.

 

[Steeltime]

Okorafor - Dotson - Karras - DeCastro - Hawkins/Banner

Just e-mail this to Ben and he starts working on his retirement speech. That line is horrible.

As is Marlon Mack. Mack could be a diamond in the rough forced out due to injury, though its hard to determine a market value for a guy having torn his achilles last season.

Achilles injuries are career-enders for a lot of RB's.

“Our study of 95 NFL players showed that it was also a career-ending injury in nearly 28% of those analyzed. Although postoperative performance was worse in running backs and linebackers (vs. pre-injury) ...

https://www.healio.com/news/orthope...-returned-to-nfl-after-achilles-tendon-repair

So more than 28% of running backs with an achilles injury never played again and among those who did, they were not as good as they were pre-injury.

Finally, going into a draft with a "need" is not great. However, signing mediocre players to avoid "need" is probably even worse. Now you are stuck with a mediocre player at greater cost than a rookie who is probably as good and potentially better.

 

[slashsteel]

IMO, the coaching staff will likely be looking to flip Chuks to LT and let either Hawkins or Banner (assuming we re-sign him) be the RT. Dotson is our new LG, as Feiler's likely to sign elsewhere. If history holds true, look for us to sign a mid-level Center or make a trade for a Center prior to the draft. We rarely ever go into a draft with a glaring hole. Ted Karras of Miami might be getting a call from us. Not a high-caliber nor a high-dollar player. He could hold down the position for a year or two - which is what we usually look to do when filling holes. If so, our OL will look like:

Okorafor - Dotson - Karras - DeCastro - Hawkins/Banner

it's an offensive line. Not a high quality one, but is offensive (both words) on paper. But, it keeps us from reaching for a player.

I'd expect us to go BPA early, as usual. However, I believe that if Alex Leatherwood is there when we pick, he'll be a Steeler. Taking this big mufuker will keep some semblance on the OL, as he can step right in at LT and we won't have the carousel of swapping guys around. Round 2 is where it gets dicey. None of the RBs we currently have rostered are true RBs. They each have their own traits. Snell is more of a bruiser, while Samuels is more of a 3rd down back. McFarland? Dude has zero patience and runs like his hair is on fire. Loads of speed, zero patience (though the OL sucked towards the end of the year). Frankly, we dont know what we have in this guy.

I thought Gainwell might be our pick in the 2nd until looking at his profile. 5'11, 191lbs. Lightweight, and doesnt really measure up to even being a poor man's Alvin Kamara. Same skill set, but Kamara is 25 pounds heavier.

While the RBs we have aren't inspirational, they're at least serviceable. Though putting any in at any time will likely tip our hand at the play. Could we bring in a Free Agent? Rumor has it we're interested in Aaron Jones. Pipe dream. Won't happen. Though Jones' former teammate - Jammal Williams - is also a free agent. As is Marlon Mack. Mack could be a diamond in the rough forced out due to injury, though its hard to determine a market value for a guy having torn his achilles last season. I kind of expect us to go for Williams, thus removing ourselves from drafting a RB.

If we take Leatherwood, history should predict us taking defense in the 2nd.

Still not convinced Leatherwood is the answer. He had some initial trouble at the senior bowl. Is he a G? Those seasonal concerns still exist. I don't think he is a start out of the gates prospect at T regardless. So for me if you are taking on that added positional risk I prefer not to do it in round 1. As you want your LT to be able to handle speed rushers which is his biggest floor concern. Maybe he is better served for RT which again I still wouldn't draft in 1. Darrisaw and Cosmi have the more athletic look to be natural LT's. I am looking at the Steelers need for a LT to be greater at this point.

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[bigben]

This did not convince me to draft one in the first round.




While true, Kamara (3rd), Jones (5th), Hunt (3rd), Chubb (2nd), Henry (2nd) all weren't drafted in the first round. As you said, it's "window dressing" on what could be a mediocre team over the next few years.

I agree, first round RB is a coinflip at best, although I do think if the Buccaneers had James Conner instead of Leonard Fournette, they would not have won the superbowl. Looking back at the 2017 draft class it makes me sick to think Pittsburgh took JuJu over Alvin kamara

 

[fidgenewton]

Depends on the back honestly. If it's a Harris-type, I say yes. If not, worry about the line first. That has to be priority

 

[SteelerFan448]

Okorafor - Dotson - Karras - DeCastro - Hawkins/Banner

it's an offensive line. Not a high quality one, but is offensive (both words) on paper. But, it keeps us from reaching for a player.

I'd expect us to go BPA early, as usual. However, I believe that if Alex Leatherwood is there when we pick, he'll be a Steeler. Taking this big mufuker will keep some semblance on the OL, as he can step right in at LT and we won't have the carousel of swapping guys around. Round 2 is where it gets dicey. None of the RBs we currently have rostered are true RBs. They each have their own traits. Snell is more of a bruiser, while Samuels is more of a 3rd down back. McFarland? Dude has zero patience and runs like his hair is on fire. Loads of speed, zero patience (though the OL sucked towards the end of the year). Frankly, we dont know what we have in this guy.

I thought Gainwell might be our pick in the 2nd until looking at his profile. 5'11, 191lbs. Lightweight, and doesnt really measure up to even being a poor man's Alvin Kamara. Same skill set, but Kamara is 25 pounds heavier.

While the RBs we have aren't inspirational, they're at least serviceable. Though putting any in at any time will likely tip our hand at the play. Could we bring in a Free Agent? Rumor has it we're interested in Aaron Jones. Pipe dream. Won't happen. Though Jones' former teammate - Jammal Williams - is also a free agent. As is Marlon Mack. Mack could be a diamond in the rough forced out due to injury, though its hard to determine a market value for a guy having torn his achilles last season. I kind of expect us to go for Williams, thus removing ourselves from drafting a RB.

If we take Leatherwood, history should predict us taking defense in the 2nd.

Not a high quality one would be an understatement. That would be a terrible line to start the season. Mentioned in another thread Okorafor makes LT second on the list of needs because the Steelers have the ability to flip him to LT, but he's just not good. We complained about Villanueva there this season and he's at least twice the player that Okorafor is. He'll get the QB killed playing the blindside.

Gainwell is small, but his speed and his ability as a receiver is unreal. I think he's easily the best in that area in the draft.

Still not convinced Leatherwood is the answer. He had some initial trouble at the senior bowl. Is he a G? Those seasonal concerns still exist. I don't think he is a start out of the gates prospect at T regardless. So for me if you are taking on that added positional risk I prefer not to do it in round 1. As you want your LT to be able to handle speed rushers which is his biggest floor concern. Maybe he is better served for RT which again I still wouldn't draft in 1. Darrisaw and Cosmi have the more athletic look to be natural LT's. I am looking at the Steelers need for a LT to be greater at this point.

Darrisaw is the dream pick for me right now. Big, physical, athletic. He's the type of building block you'd like for your offensive line. Cosmi would be a nice fallback option as well.

I agree, first round RB is a coinflip at best, although I do think if the Buccaneers had James Conner instead of Leonard Fournette, they would not have won the superbowl. Looking back at the 2017 draft class it makes me sick to think Pittsburgh took JuJu over Alvin kamara

Why would the Steelers have drafted Kamara in the second round? Bell was still under contract and they were planning to sign him to a long-term deal. I'm not sure what Conner has to do with Fournette? I mean, Fournette had a decent playoff run. He had 93 yards against WFT, but Tampa was winning that game regardless. He only averaged 3.7 YPC against New Orleans, and he only had 12 carries against Green Bay. They could've had anyone at running back in the Super Bowl because they were rolling that Chiefs team no matter what with that bad OL they trotted onto the field. Fournette stunk during the regular season.

 

[Steeltime]

Still not convinced Leatherwood is the answer. He had some initial trouble at the senior bowl. Is he a G? Those seasonal concerns still exist. I don't think he is a start out of the gates prospect at T regardless. So for me if you are taking on that added positional risk I prefer not to do it in round 1. As you want your LT to be able to handle speed rushers which is his biggest floor concern. Maybe he is better served for RT which again I still wouldn't draft in 1. Darrisaw and Cosmi have the more athletic look to be natural LT's. I am looking at the Steelers need for a LT to be greater at this point.

Jalen Mayfield, Mich. 6'5" 319 lbs.

Summary: Jalen Mayfield was perhaps the only offensive lineman who could slow down Chase Young in 2019 during his dominant campaign of 16.5 sacks. In plenty of one-on-one matchups, Mayfield got the better of Young, and there were other plays where Young had Mayfield on the ropes but the young Wolverine was able to recover in time to keep Young from making his typical game-changing plays. It was a breakout performance for the Wolverines right tackle to conclude the regular season.

After being a backup as a true freshman, Mayfield showed improvement throughout his sophomore year, as he played better against Young and Ohio State than he did in earlier games, like against Penn State for example. It was an impressive debut for Mayfield, and Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh was bullish about Mayfield being even better in 2020. As a junior, Mayfield played well, but also missed time with injuries, and given the shortened season, he did not have much of an opportunity to build on his 2019 season. After the season, Mayfield showed a lack of judgement, or ignorance, or willingness to do due diligence when he signed with the agency that protected sexual predator Harvey Weinstein.

Mayfield has the skill set to be a starter at the NFL thanks to having quality size, athleticism and quickness. In pass protection, he has enough quickness and athleticism on the edge to neutralize speed rushers. While he is not an elite athlete or especially fast, Mayfield is quick out of his stance and gets in position to wall off defenders. When taking on bull rushes, Mayfield gives up a little ground, but then is able to anchor with enough lower body strength to keep himself from getting pushed into the quarterback. Mayfield uses solid technique to get good depth in his drop and is able to play the typewriter with his feet to mirror speed rushers. Mayfield possesses quality feet, and while they're not elite, they're above average.

https://www.walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2021jmayfield.php

He is borderline first round, but will not last to pick 55, no matter what the First-pick.com game tells us. So we either spend pick 24 on a guy who probably rates a 30-45 pick, or not get him. This is why I would, if possible, move into the early second round, improve from pick 55 in the deal, and wind up with two early second round picks.

Me? I get the QB (Trask) and the LT (Mayfield), both in the second round. The deal would be the Steelers #1, pick 24, and 2nd round, pick #55, for Jax two second rounders (pick #33 and #45). Jax willing to do the deal to get the 5th year for the 1st rounder and wind up with 3 of the top 24 selections.

The Steelers benefit from moving up to a spot where they get a top-tier LT while not overspending draft capital, and as a throw-in get the future QB for the franchise. Steelers of course won't do this, will stick with their selections, and take somebody like Cosmi or Eichenberg with the pick, though the LT pool is deep this year. I think they can get a guy like Alaric Jackson or Brady Christenson with the late 2nd round pick, perhaps a small school guy who looked very good in Senior Bowl drills, Dillon Radunz, as last as round 3, pick 87.

 

[SteveA]

Currently, the Steelers have THE WORST RUNNING BACKS IN THE AFCN.


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Most embarrassing part is hearing all the talking heads on Sports talk shows say how oathetic our run game is...fix this **** now

 

[slashsteel]

Jalen Mayfield, Mich. 6'5" 319 lbs.



https://www.walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2021jmayfield.php

He is borderline first round, but will not last to pick 55, no matter what the First-pick.com game tells us. So we either spend pick 24 on a guy who probably rates a 30-45 pick, or not get him. This is why I would, if possible, move into the early second round, improve from pick 55 in the deal, and wind up with two early second round picks.

Me? I get the QB (Trask) and the LT (Mayfield), both in the second round. The deal would be the Steelers #1, pick 24, and 2nd round, pick #55, for Jax two second rounders (pick #33 and #45). Jax willing to do the deal to get the 5th year for the 1st rounder and wind up with 3 of the top 24 selections.

The Steelers benefit from moving up to a spot where they get a top-tier LT while not overspending draft capital, and as a throw-in get the future QB for the franchise. Steelers of course won't do this, will stick with their selections, and take somebody like Cosmi or Eichenberg with the pick, though the LT pool is deep this year. I think they can get a guy like Alaric Jackson or Brady Christenson with the late 2nd round pick, perhaps a small school guy who looked very good in Senior Bowl drills, Dillon Radunz, as last as round 3, pick 87.

Definitely on board with the trade down and pick up an extra pick park. A lot of needs more perhaps than the normal off-season. An extra body or two with the way this team drafts would be very welcomed.

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[SteelerFan448]

Definitely on board with the trade down and pick up an extra pick park. A lot of needs more perhaps than the normal off-season. An extra body or two with the way this team drafts would be very welcomed

Not much room to trade down because you don't want to give up that fifth-year option that comes along with a first-round pick.

 

[madinsomniac]

Ill take BPA first round... but honestly unless a stud at a position of extreme need is there, trade TF down....


I really want a premium C in round 2 and a RB in 3, but if they traded down to the very bottom of round 1 or the very top of two then going with a rb is fine... its just that the difference between a stud rb and an average rb is virtually insignificant in this nfl... so ypu have to target the things that matter more... a great te... a stud LT, a great defensive player... a QB ... those are mega important...

 

[slashsteel]

Not much room to trade down because you don't want to give up that fifth-year option that comes along with a first-round pick.

True

what does say 4 spots down potentially bring in?

 

[SteelerFan448]

True

what does say 4 spots down potentially bring in?

I think it depends on how bad a team wants to move up.

It could potentially bring in a second or third round pick this year. A team with a second may offer their second this year and a first next year.

 

[Steeltime]

I think it depends on how bad a team wants to move up.

It could potentially bring in a second or third round pick this year. A team with a second may offer their second this year and a first next year.

Yes, very interesting which teams holding #'s 25-32 and then Round 2, numbers 1-8, want to make a deal. I suspect one of those teams might have taken a QB with first pick, and want to get to pick 24 to get a LT they really like to protect that QB (unlike the Bungles and Burrow last year). Only Jax and Miami have early 2nd rounders and multiple 2nd round picks likely needed to interest the Steelers.

However, as a practical matter, I just don't see the Steelers dealing out of the 1st round. They dealt their 2020 first round pick for Minkah, granted, but when is the last time the team simply dealt picks and moved out of the 1st round when doing so?

 

[SteelerFan448]

Yes, very interesting which teams holding #'s 25-32 and then Round 2, numbers 1-8, want to make a deal. I suspect one of those teams might have taken a QB with first pick, and want to get to pick 24 to get a LT they really like to protect that QB (unlike the Bungles and Burrow last year). Only Jax and Miami have early 2nd rounders and multiple 2nd round picks likely needed to interest the Steelers.

However, as a practical matter, I just don't see the Steelers dealing out of the 1st round. They dealt their 2020 first round pick for Minkah, granted, but when is the last time the team simply dealt picks and moved out of the 1st round when doing so?

If anything happens, I could easily see the Steelers moving up on Day 1 or 2 because they should have a slew of compensatory picks available next year.