Leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft starting on April 29th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up…
Chuba Hubbard (Running Back), Oklahoma State, RS Junior
The Need:
Rooney II on the run game: "We’ve got to be a lot better in running. We don't want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers last in the league in rushing ever again. … we’ll be looking for ways to improve in the draft. It’s something we’ve gotta fix. We’re working on it."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) March 25, 2021
The Steelers have been meeting with several running backs during the pre-draft process. The "higher ups" in the Steelers' organization have consistently reiterated this offseason that they will focus on improving the run game. One part of improving the run game is adding to the running back room. We're really not sure what round the team will do so, but a safe bet is that the Steelers will spend a 2021 draft pick on a running back. Hubbard has reportedly spoken to the Steelers during the pre-draft process.
Both Oklahoma State OT Teven Jenkins and RB Chuba Hubbard said they have talked to the Steelers.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 1, 2021
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Hubbard measured in at 6’0″ and 210 lbs at Oklahoma State’s pro day on Thursday. Although, his testing numbers won't jump out to you, the running back tested well. He ran a 4.48 40-yard dash. He is projected as a 4th-5th round pick. He is ranked as ESPN's 9th best running back in the class and 153rd best draft prospect on ESPN's Best Player Available prospect list.
Pros:
- Clean footwork
- Experience: Saw at least 120 carries in each of the three years that he played at Oklahoma State
- Productivity: Hubbard can produce! In 2019, he ran for over 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns on over 300 carries
- Plays faster than his 4.48 40-yard dash time
- Seems to be capable of carrying a heavier workload; see 2019 and his 328 carries that year
- Physicality as a runner, can move through would-be tacklers
- Coachable: Improved in the area of ball security concerns, fumbles decreased from 5 in 2019 to 2 in 2020.
- Patience: Patient when deciding on what hole to hit and then hits it with explosiveness!
Cons:
- Injury concerns; Missed some time in 2020 with an ankle injury before ultimately deciding to opt out to prepare for the draft
- Spotty vision
- Limited versatility; at times he seemed uncomfortable with catching passes out of the backfield
- Ball security concerns: 4 fumbles in 2018 and 5 in 2019
- Struggles with pass protection at times; very dependent on cut blocks
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Check out Hubbard’s career highlights at Oklahoma State below:
What do you think of Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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