With the NFL draft set to begin in less than a month, talk regarding the Steelers needs has mainly revolved around the defense. That is understandable considering the un-Steelerlike work by the unit in 2014, and it has many fans expecting a run on defensive talent when it comes time to make their picks when the draft commences on April 30.
However, even with Le’Veon Bell and recent free agent signee DeAngelo Williams potentially becoming an outstanding 1-2 punch at running back, the Steelers might be looking to add depth at the position. That’s because Bell could miss as many as four games to start the season due to his DUI conviction from last season, Williams turns 32 this April, and backups Dri Archer and Josh Harris have an array of question marks.
This might lead to another important question; could the Steelers turn to the draft to add running back depth?
If the Steelers do decide to look for help at running back the 2015 class might be one of the deeper ones in recent memory. Though backs such as University of Georgia’s Todd Gurley and University of Wisconsin tailback Melvin Gordon are both expected to be selected in the first round, there are an array of talented backs that could slip into the draft’s second day and beyond.
It seems certain that the Steelers would not consider picking a back until the third round or later if they do at all. Here’s a few of the possible options that could be available at running back in the mid to late rounds.
David Johnson, Northern Iowa: Johnson is one of the most interesting running back prospects in the draft. At six-foot, one-inch, 224 pounds, Johnson has ideal size and was timed at 4.51 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. Though Johnson played against lesser competition, he was still able to rush for over 1,500 yards last season and has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield.
Johnson’s strong showing at the combine, along with the Senior Bowl, opened scouts eyes and now is considered a player that could be drafted in early on the second day. If Johnson were to slip beyond the third round, he might be someone the Steelers could consider. Johnson has garnered a lot of comparisons to the Rams Zac Stacy.
Jeremy Langford, Michigan State: Langford is a personal favorite and if he is anywhere as good as former Spartan standout Bell, how can the Steelers go wrong? To be fair, Langford may not have all of the tools Bell possesses, but the six-foot, 210-pound back caught everyone’s attention with his 4.41 40 time at the combine. Langford proved to be a reliable workhorse back last season, rushing for 1,522 yards and 22 touchdowns. Langford might be too good to pass up if he’s still on the board in the fourth round.
David Cobb, Minnesota: Another Big 10 standout who might be more of a mid- to late-round value is David Cobb. Despite of playing behind a below average offensive line, Cobb had a tremendous Senior campaign, rushing for 1,623 yards and 13 touchdowns. Cobb does not possess great speed (4.61 at combine) but his size (5-foot, 10-inch, 230 pounds) is certainly NFL worthy. Unlikely that Cobb will be a starter in the league, but could end up a solid back up who might be worth a late-round flier.
Dominique Brown, Louisville: Though Brown may not have the name recognition of his well traveled teammate Michael Dyer, the six-foot, two-inch, 234-pound back might end up being a late-round value and be potential steal in the 2015 draft. Brown played in a time share at running back at Louisville and battled injuries last season, missing five games in total. However, Brown is a tough downhill runner who can also catch passes exceptionally well and looks great in pass protection. May never be a bonafide starter, but do the Steelers really need that right now? Brown could be available late in the draft, and could fit the Steelers needs.
Karlos Williams, Florida State: Williams did himself no favors with an unspectacular year with the Seminoles paired with off-field indiscretions. Domestic abuse charges might cost Williams dearly on draft weekend, but it’s hard not to notice his combination of size (six-foot, one-inch, 230 pounds) and speed (4.48 at combine). Williams is a big time athlete who thrived as a special teams player while at FSU, and it can’t be discounted that his brother Vince, is currently a linebacker for the Steelers.
Drafting Williams late might be risky, but could be worth the risk. It’s quite possible Williams might slip very late in the draft, and if he’s still there in the sixth or seventh round, he could get a shot if the Steelers feel his character issues are a thing of the past.
