The Steelers brass are present at the NFL Combine this week, and will be looking at lots of players who are more than likely already on their draft stock radar.
They have yet to perform any drills in the combine, but the running back class is one of great interest for the Steelers. The running backs hit the field for drills on Saturday as part of the Day 2 arrivals (QB’s, WR’s, RB’s). However, they have been in Indianapolis since Wednesday and have been available for interviews with teams.
As everyone already (or at least should) knows, the Steelers are in great need at running back. Not having a viable backup hurt the Steelers when they needed it most last season. Le’Veon Bell is a work horse for the offense, but he still needs spells on the sideline.
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More importantly, the Steelers need a solid backup for if and when Bell becomes injured for a prolonged period of time – say more than an offensive series.
The draft has a pretty good running back class this season. In a previous post, I listed some top backs who impressed at this year’s Senior Bowl. Looks like the Steelers liked one of them and predict his availability in later rounds.
Per Jim Wexell’s tweets on Thursday afternoon and evening, the Steelers met with two running backs that would be great Day 2 options.
T.J. Yeldon, the Le'Veon Bell lookalike from Alabama, said Bell's the RB he most tries to emulate. Yeldon met with Mike Tomlin last night.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) February 19, 2015
David Cobb, the outstanding Minnesota RB who's scheduled to meet w the Steelers this week, said "Right now, I love watching Le’Veon Bell.”
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) February 20, 2015
I love hearing that Cobb is of interest to the Steelers. He was very impressive at the Senior Bowl, and I was able to watch this young man for the last two years while I’ve been living in Minneapolis.
He loves watching Bell. That’s great news because he’ll be watching from the sidelines quite a bit like LeGarrette Blount had to do until he decided to walk on his teammates.
Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back David Cobb of Minnesota (37) carries against the South squad during the third quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North squad defeated the South squad 34-13. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
In all seriousness, he is a young man that is a hard worker and will soak up everything the coaches and teammates have to offer. Especially when it comes to how Bell attacks the line of scrimmage – something Cobb himself is not shy from doing.
Where I draw a red flag with Cobb (or let’s just say for now ‘take pause’) is his pass protection. He’s not always clean when lining up to engage a blitzing defenseman. I expect, however, that is one thing James Saxon can help out with.
I think Cobb is a 3rd or 4th rounder in terms of draft stock. I would not be surprised that if the Steelers are smitten with Cobb, they go ahead and take him in Round 3 – a much better 3rd Round running back selection than last year’s. AHEM.
They can easily fill a CB and DE pick in the first two rounds, and then look for Bell’s back up with Cobb in the 3rd.