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As we know, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a rough time running the football in 2020, especially towards the end of the year. They ranked dead last in running the football, and going into this off-season, offensive line and running back has been pegged as the Steelers biggest need.
I definitely agree with that sentiment. There’s been a debate going on about whether the Steelers should draft a running back early, names like Najee Harris and Travis Ettiene have been mentioned often in those discussions. The other side is advocating for drafting offensive line early and getting a running back later on or potentially in free agency. I have to say I see both arguments, but lean towards the offensive line side.
Not taking away from Harris or Ettine, both are first/second round pedigree players, but with a great offensive line you can help running backs out a lot, and get production out of guys you don’t need to spend that type of capital on. My question is, do the Steelers already have a guy that can get it done in Benny Snell?
I know many people’s first reaction, along with my own, is a resounding no. I believe this is in large part due to the performance from this past season from the running back group as a whole. As I mentioned, they finished dead last, with 84.4 rushing yards per game. Snell was the backup behind James Conner and ended the season with 111 attempts for 368 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also added 10 catches for 61 yards.
These numbers definitely aren’t eye popping, but I decided to dig a little deeper and check the numbers for Snell. In doing so, I noticed when he gets the opportunity to carry the workload, he definitely elevates his play.
In 8 games where Snell has gotten 15 or more touches, he’s averaged 78.1 rushing yards per game. He has 3 touchdowns and 2 fumbles to go along with that, and Pittsburgh is 6-2 in those games.
Again, I’m not sold on him being the answer, 8 games is a small sample size, but those numbers aren’t exactly discouraging. If he were to be behind a bolstered offensive line, what’s to say he can’t build off of those numbers and get even better?
I still think adding running back depth is necessary however you do it, but this would allow the team to fill other needs early in the draft, and potentially save some cap space to sign or retain some free agents. Drafting a promising young back in third round and beyond could allow you to boost your offensive line and other needs, while still drafting a potential stud who can get some run behind Snell for the year.
This is all contingent on Snell producing at those numbers or better, and if the Steelers build the offensive line up this off-season. I think there’s still a chance they could draft someone like Harris if he’s on the board at 24 if they feel he’s too good to pass up.
But, if it were to line up, and the offensive line is replenished early in the draft and had the talent, does Snell deserve a chance? I think with a promising back up selected later in the draft, he just might get a crack at the starting spot.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Does Snell deserve a chance? Or should he remain where he is as a backup? Let us know in the comment section below and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
I definitely agree with that sentiment. There’s been a debate going on about whether the Steelers should draft a running back early, names like Najee Harris and Travis Ettiene have been mentioned often in those discussions. The other side is advocating for drafting offensive line early and getting a running back later on or potentially in free agency. I have to say I see both arguments, but lean towards the offensive line side.
Not taking away from Harris or Ettine, both are first/second round pedigree players, but with a great offensive line you can help running backs out a lot, and get production out of guys you don’t need to spend that type of capital on. My question is, do the Steelers already have a guy that can get it done in Benny Snell?
I know many people’s first reaction, along with my own, is a resounding no. I believe this is in large part due to the performance from this past season from the running back group as a whole. As I mentioned, they finished dead last, with 84.4 rushing yards per game. Snell was the backup behind James Conner and ended the season with 111 attempts for 368 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also added 10 catches for 61 yards.
These numbers definitely aren’t eye popping, but I decided to dig a little deeper and check the numbers for Snell. In doing so, I noticed when he gets the opportunity to carry the workload, he definitely elevates his play.
In 8 games where Snell has gotten 15 or more touches, he’s averaged 78.1 rushing yards per game. He has 3 touchdowns and 2 fumbles to go along with that, and Pittsburgh is 6-2 in those games.
Again, I’m not sold on him being the answer, 8 games is a small sample size, but those numbers aren’t exactly discouraging. If he were to be behind a bolstered offensive line, what’s to say he can’t build off of those numbers and get even better?
I still think adding running back depth is necessary however you do it, but this would allow the team to fill other needs early in the draft, and potentially save some cap space to sign or retain some free agents. Drafting a promising young back in third round and beyond could allow you to boost your offensive line and other needs, while still drafting a potential stud who can get some run behind Snell for the year.
This is all contingent on Snell producing at those numbers or better, and if the Steelers build the offensive line up this off-season. I think there’s still a chance they could draft someone like Harris if he’s on the board at 24 if they feel he’s too good to pass up.
But, if it were to line up, and the offensive line is replenished early in the draft and had the talent, does Snell deserve a chance? I think with a promising back up selected later in the draft, he just might get a crack at the starting spot.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Does Snell deserve a chance? Or should he remain where he is as a backup? Let us know in the comment section below and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..