The Pittsburgh Steelers have already made 3 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, but Steeler Nation is still releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves in the Black and Gold today. Next up for the Steelers...
Dameon Pierce (Running Back), Florida, Senior
Pierce stands in at 5'10" tall while weighing 218lbs, and is one of the most violent runners in this draft class.
Overview
Dameon Pierce's career isn't one that screams someone who would be a steal in the NFL Draft. However, he was incredibly underutilized during his time with the Florida Gators as across his four year career he only accumulated a total of 329 carries. Even with a limited workload, he still stood out on tape as he is an incredibly violent runner that defenders struggle to bring down due to his great contact balance and leg drive. Steeler Nation will likely fall in love with his competitive nature as well. He elected not to skip his team's bowl game even though he already intended on entering the NFL Draft and had an invitation to the Senior Bowl. When asked why he didn't skip the bowl game, Pierce replied "Why? Because I'm a Gator bro!". That is the mark of a football player any team would love to have, especially head coach Mike Tomlin.
Dameon Pierce in Gasparilla bowl against UCF. Credit: USA Today Sports
Pros:
- Good size and build
- Violent runner that creates contacts
- Incredible touchdown production as a senior
- Zero hesitation
- Comfortable receiver out of the backfield
- Elite contact balance
- Good feet
- Very willing pass protector that isn't afraid of charging blitzers
- Low amount of wear and tear on his body
- Great teammate and provides energy his teammates feed off of
- Good acceleration and burst to get around the edge
- Solid vision
- Ability to fit multiple running schemes
Cons:
- Top end speed leaves a little to be desired
- Never handled a full workload over an entire season
- Technique is pass protection needs work
- Change of direction takes an extra step
- Violent running style could lead to unnecessary contact at times
The Steelers need to find a running back to pair with 2nd year running back Najee Harris as he had to carry the load entirely on his shoulders as a rookie. Pierce could provide a compliment and equally tough to tackle runner that can contribute on all three downs.
Dameon Pierce at 2022 Senior Bowl. Credit: USA Today Sports
Vision and Footwork
Even though he had limited touches which didn't allow him to consistently get into a rhythm, Pierce's vision was rarely affected. He has a good ability to read his blocks, find the holes that his lineman open up, and take advantage of what yards are available before contact. If there isn't much blocked for him, he is able to read it quickly and either put his head down to pick up the few yards that are available or bounce it outside. Pairing his vision with his solid footwork constantly puts Pierce in a possession to succeed early in the play. Being a one-cut runner, Pierce puts his foot in the ground and gets north and south in a hurry once he sees the hole, and there are little wasted steps or stutter steps when doing so. Changing direction causes him to take a false step or extra step some times, but when he is moving in the same direction his feet are compact, quick, and allow him to get through the hole in a flash.
Running Style and Athleticism
As I've mentioned Violent. That is one word that can describe how Pierce runs once the ball is in his hands. However, that isn't to say all he can do is be a between the tackles bruiser. Pierce has very good burst in his initial steps that allow him to get to the edge quickly when needed and accelerate into contact between the tackles. Watching him run can make him look a bit panicked, but its because he uses his entire body in his running motion. Pierce is an explosive and strong athlete that is able to translate those tested explosion numbers into effective explosion on the field. His quick first step with leg strength are his athletic traits that make him who he is as a running back, but has enough speed as well that it won't hurt him too much once he is in the open field.
Passing Game
When describing Pierce's running style many people would think he is just an early down runner. That is not the case. Pierce has experience as a receiver, both out of the backfield and split out while averaging over 11 yards per reception as a senior. When acting as a receiver he shows soft hands and the ability to catch the football away from his body which is something that the more violent running style running backs usually struggle with. In terms of pass protection quarterbacks will enjoy having Pierce standing next to them. He takes the fight to the defenders and doesn't wait on his heels for a blitzer to make contact. He doesn't get pushed back often, but does need to get better with his hand usage as defenders can get off his blocks after initial contact.
NFL Comparison - Marshawn Lynch
Obviously comparing someone to Marshawn Lynch is one heck of a compliment, but watching them play you see a lot of similarities. Both Lynch and Pierce bring the physicality to the defenders instead of the other way around, and both also have a similar looking running style where their upper body is always in motion as well. Both players are comfortable catching passes but will ultimately be known for their exceptional contact balance and tackle breaking ability.
Steelers Draft Projection - Day 3 Pick
Due to not having top end speed and not being a featured back in college, Pierce isn't viewed as one of the top backs coming out this season. However, he still should be one of the top 10 running backs taken, but due to value you can find at the position late, that likely puts him on day 3.
Let us know below what you think about Pierce as a prospect and the potential of seeing him in the Black and Gold! What other prospects would you be interested in seeing a profile on? Click to comment below!
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