With free agency on the horizon, we’re looking closely at the needs of the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, especially those that could be covered by the 2021 NFL draft. Pittsburgh doesn’t have much to spend on free agency and most of their best free agents will leave.
One of those players is runner James Conner. Its production has been on the decline and its inability to stay healthy means it’s time to move on. Here’s a possible Conner substitute in every round of the next round that the Steelers will have to consider.
First Round-RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
Chuck Cook-USA Sports TODAY
Sorry, I’m tired of Najee Harris. It’s a big back, but don’t underestimate the more explosive and complete game Ettienne carries.
Second round: Michael Carter, North Carolina
Vasha Hunt-USA Sports TODAY
Carter’s teammate Javonte Williams is getting all the attention, but Carter would be a huge consolation prize in the second round. Carter was really impressed with the Senior Bowl and his vision and explosion would make him a great weapon in the Steelers ’bottom field.
Third round: Rhamondre Stevenson
Vasha Hunt-USA Sports TODAY
If you insist the Steelers write a big back bruise, Stevenson is your guy. He is quick and agile around the beat line, but once he reaches the second level he becomes a hammer.
Fourth round: Chris Evans, RB, Michigan
Junfu Han
If Evans had been more on the field over the last two seasons, we could be talking about him among the best RBs in this category. He has all the skills, but his latest production tape is back in 2018.
Fifth round: Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
As a pure runner, Hubbard brings a lot to the table. No less important is the speed of the track and the possibility of finding seams in a zone blocking scheme. It remains to be seen how his game will translate into the NFL, especially with his lack of production in the passing game.
Sixth round: Pooka Williams, Kansas
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Going back to a more elusive and faster back, we have Williams. He’s not big enough to become a low-level player, but with his skills you don’t need to see him just as a niche player. It’s a getaway threat but it has a full game.
Seventh Round: Javian Hawkins, Louisville
Scott Ulterback
Hawkins is another guy who will never put up with a big NFL workload as a back, but he can be dynamic as a part-time player. Fleeing with great speed, he will be the player of change of rhythm of some equipment.