2013 NFL Draft: Running Backs the Pittsburgh Steelers could target
By Matt Shetler
6. Montee Ball, Wisconsin: If Franklin is the best fit for the Steelers, Ball could be 1-A. He’s used to carrying the ball a lot and has excellent vision to go along with good balance. He takes care of the ball, gains yards after contact, and is a very patient runner with good feet. He doesn’t have the best speed, needs to improve his blocking and isn’t the most physical back I have ever seen. But the pros outweigh the cons and Ball is NFL-ready. I like him for the Steelers a lot.
Oct 20, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A
7. Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State: Randle had 38 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons and brought an explosive running element to an offense known for its passing prowess. However there are still doubts as to how much of Randle’s production was a by-product of his offense, and whether his game will translate to the NFL. He is elusive and can make guys miss, but he doesn’t break a lot of tackles, which doesn’t translate well into the NFL. He might be worth a gamble after the fourth round if he is available.
8. Christine Michael, Texas A&M: In terms of pure running ability, Michael could be the best back in the draft. But no other back comes with as many question marks. He is an electric runner who has a great initial burst and changes directions very well. But as I mentioned there are tons of questions, which include: injuries (broken tibia in 2010 and torn ACL in 2011), limited pass blocking skills and the lack of receiving ability. There are questions about his character which caused him to be used in a smaller role during 2012, and also resulted in Michael sleeping through some meetings with teams at the NFL Combine. If the Steelers are comfortable with all of that, he could be a good fit, although I don’t know how much he helps in year one.
9. Andre Ellington, Clemson: Ellington did a nice job of filling C.J. Spiller’s shoes at Clemson, but he still has to answer the question of whether or not he can be an every down back at the next level or simply a change of pace guy? He’s a shifty runner who can be very explosive, but he likely lacks the power and burst to carry the full load. When you get to this point, the Steelers would simply be rolling the dice.
10. Stephan Taylor, Stanford: Taylor is a very nice back who ended up becoming Stanford’s all-time leading rusher with 4,300 yards and 40 touchdowns. He is an elusive running back that has a strong build and could be an every down guy. He doesn’t possess game-breaking speed but has excellent footwork and body control in the open field. Taylor shows a great understanding of how to set up blocks and always seems to be falling forward after contact. The negatives are that he’s not a big play back and doesn’t have the outstanding speed he probably needs to succeed in the NFL.
Sleeper- Miguel Maysonet, Stony Brook: Those guys are my Top 10 backs, but there is always someone overlooked in the draft who winds up making a big impact in the NFL. That guy could be Maysonet. He has great power and excellent vision. He’s a very patient runner with solid burst and acceleration. Maysonet only a 4.65 40-yard dash, but is a guy who plays much faster on the field.