The Pittsburgh Steelers are in serious need of a featured running back. With Ben Roethlisberger returning for another season, it's crucial that the team give him a strong running game to keep the offense balanced. When the temperatures dropped in November and December, the Steelers couldn't manage 50 yards rushing most games. That was a recipe for disaster.
The Steelers will likely move on from James Conner, leaving them with two running backs that are more like a compliment to each other, rather than two featured backs.
Benny Snell Jr., and Anthony McFarland both have solid qualities as a running back, but neither check all of the boxes. Snell is a bruiser without much top end speed, while McFarland offers the quickness.
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Both can be effective in different situations, but they could flourish in tandem with a game breaker. There are two potential game breakers in the 2021 NFL Draft, Najee Harris, and Travis Etienne.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, General Manager Kevin Colbert, and offensive coordinator Matt Canada attended each of their schools Pro Days (Harris didn't participate but was in attendance) and are reportedly very interested in both backs.
Will the Steelers have their choice between Etienne, and Harris? It's likely they both will be on the board at that time, and odds on SportsBettingDime list Harris at -110 as the favorite to be the first running back selected. Second to Harris is Etienne at +125.
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Tony Pauline from Pro Football Network has linked the Steelers to Harris since late January where he reported that they showed a lot of interest in the running back at the Senior bowl. He continued to link them to Harris this past week saying that they continue to be very serious about drafting him in the first round.
Regardless if it's Etienne or Harris, the Steelers will be getting a serious upgrade at the running back position if they choose to go that way.
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