Let’s not overthink the Pittsburgh Steelers draft situation. I know the NFL analytics world — and many draft analysts — frown on the notion of drafting a first-round running back. Almost as much as they turn their noses up at the prospect of paying top dollar for one in free agency.
But let’s ask a few questions.
• What’s the Steelers’ biggest position of need? What area on the depth chart appears the most in need of an upgrade?
It’s running back.
B.J. Finney has started at center in the past. Chuks Okorafor started at tackle last year, and Zach Banner was slated to do so before he was injured in Week 1. Cameron Sutton was perceived to be a “starter-in-waiting” at corner. And Alex Highsmith was drafted to replace Bud Dupree at outside linebacker a year ago.
Hey, I’m not 100% sold on any of those answers right now either.
But I’m more sold on all of them than I would be on the idea of Benny Snell or Anthony McFarland becoming a 1,000-yard rusher on a playoff team.
• Are there many top-notch running backs in the draft beyond the top 3 of Najee Harris (Alabama), Travis Etienne (Clemson) and Javonte Williams (North Carolina)?
No. For a team as in need of a player at the position as the Steelers are, spending a second- or third-round pick on Trey Sermon (Ohio State), Michael Carter (North Carolina) or Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis) would be understandable. But there appears to be quite a gap between the first three and everyone else at the position.
• Is there better depth in the draft at the team’s other areas of need?
I’d argue yes.
Even though Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert praised running back depth in this draft during his press conference Monday, I’d contend there will likely be more good players available on Friday at offensive tackle, center, inside linebacker, pass rusher and cornerback when the Steelers come back on the board again at pick No. 55.
• If either Harris or Etienne are on the board when the Steelers pick at No. 24 (I’d consider trading down if the preference is Williams), what would be wrong with taking a guy who could be their clear starter for five years when they have struggled for three years to replace Le’Veon Bell?
I say … nothing.
Look, I understand all the arguments to the contrary. The attrition rate due to injury at the position is precipitous. Metrics and roster composition in recent years suggest a back-by-committee approach is just as good as having one, main Pro Bowl runner. These days in the NFL, running back production is more a function of the offensive line and the passing game than it is a result of the backs themselves.
Therefore, in theory, it’s become common thinking that you can address that position without spending big bucks or high draft capital.
But the Steelers have failed to do those things since Bell’s hold-out season of 2018. So why not get the (potentially) best back at the position while he’s young and fresh on an affordable rookie contract?
Then answer future questions about the position — you know — in the future.
Especially since the Steelers have shown in recent years that they don’t have the passing game, play calling or run blocking to just plug-and-play any ol’ group of running backs and have the same success that the Patriots, Chiefs, Buccaneers and Eagles have had with that formula. The franchise has finished 32nd, 29th and 31st in rushing over the last three seasons.
In other words, let’s reverse the thinking for a moment. Maybe a good back could help the other elements of the offense instead of always assuming the other elements of the offense need to help the back. Bell served that precise purpose in Pittsburgh for his first five years of NFL service.
Remember the Steelers have only three playoff wins since the start of the 2011 season. In two of them, Bell was their best player. He totaled 59 carries for 337 yards in back-to-back victories over the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs in the 2016 postseason. Not to mention 25 total touches for 155 total yards in the loss to Jacksonville the following year.
If Harris and Etienne are still available at No. 24, the Steelers should select whichever one they like better. Period.
The Steelers decided to keep veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for one more year. A first-round running back will help Roethlisberger this year. And if that running back pans out, he’ll be a help in 2022 for whoever replaces Roethlisberger, too.
So, drafting a running back isn’t just a short-term fix. It could be a long-term answer at the position as well. That’s important for a team that will be facing a ton of long-term questions after the ‘21 season ends.
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via Twitter. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.
The Link LonkApril 29, 2021 at 05:02PM
https://triblive.com/sports/tim-benz-forget-anti-running-back-bias-steelers-should-take-najee-harris-or-travis-etienne-if-they-are-available/
Tim Benz: Forget anti-running back bias, Steelers should take Najee Harris or Travis Etienne if they are available - TribLIVE
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