With the much publicized walk-out and subsequent release of LeGarrette Blount after a Week 11 win over the Tennessee Titans, the Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision to go all in with All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell. The plan initially worked flawlessly, as the best two-way back in the NFL carried the load and went on to have the best overall season by a Steeler running back in franchise history.
All of that changed in the Week 17 finale when a hit to the knee by Cincinnati Bengals safety Reggie Nelson would end Bell’s season and in essence, expose a glaring hole on the Steelers roster; running back depth. Without Bell, the Steelers were forced to turn to rookie free agent Josh Harris and veteran journeyman Ben Tate to carry the load, and we all know how that ended up panning out in the AFC playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Though the Steelers are likely to focus on defense early and often in the 2015 NFL draft, the pursuit of a quality rusher to back up Bell next season could be a priority. If the Steelers go that route, one of the more intriguing options is another Michigan State product, running back Jeremy Langford.
Langford spent the past two seasons putting together numbers that made him one of the top backs in the NCAA. After a 1,422-yard, 18-touchdown season in 2013, Langford bested those numbers as a senior by rushing for 1,522 yards and 22 touchdowns. His totals last season placed him among the top 20 in rushing yards and top-10 in rushing touchdowns in college football.
At 6’1, 210, Langford has good size and has been timed as low as 4.3 and consistently in the 4.5 range in the 40-yard dash, proving he has the combination of size and speed that could translate in the pros. Another plus is even though Langford rarely caught passes as a Spartan, he initially played wide receiver and has the pass-catching ability that could make him an intriguing third-down back option. Langford proved to be adept in pass protection also, a major plus for the position.
Watching film on Langford (10/4 vs. Neb, 10/25 vs. Michigan, 11/8 vs. OSU, 1/1 vs. Baylor) he shows the ability to bounce runs outside and use his speed to turn the corner. Shows a willingness to work inside but does not always commit to getting the tough yards, instead will look to bounce out a little too much. This is a habit that will work against lesser opponents, but not as much in the pros.
He has a high-compete level, does not seem to take plays off and was relied on heavily in the Spartan offense. Carried the ball over 25 times in five games last season, and seems capable of handling the workload physically. He does a solid job of protecting the football and only had two fumbles lost in just under 300 carries last season.
Though not has highly regarded as fellow Big 10 backs like Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon or Indiana’s Tevin Coleman, Langford could bring serious value without spending a first-round pick to get it. Most draft experts give Langford a third- or fourth-round grade, and if he slips to the fourth round, the Steelers might have to consider Langford with the pick.
Finally, adding a former Spartan teammate to back up Bell could work well for the Steelers. Langford could learn a lot from arguably the most complete back in the game, and Michigan State players come in well coached playing under the outstanding leadership of Mark Dantonio. Langford by all accounts is a solid citizen and has been durable at MSU.
The Steelers will need to consider options at running back in 2015, and with the roster bereft of trustworthy options behind Bell, Jeremy Langford might just be a terrific option in the upcoming NFL draft that will be held April 30th through May 2nd.
