The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking at a number of positions in the 2019 NFL Draft, and one local college star could find his new home in Steel City.
Penn State star, Miles Sanders, had big shoes to fill after becoming the starter following Saquon Barkley. But the running back proved he was ready to take on any challenge. He may not be the second pick in this year’s draft, but the former Nittany Lion will find a home in the NFL this weekend.
One team that has had their eye on the mid-round back is the Pittsburgh Steelers. James Conner proved to be a Pro Bowl level back in 2018, but in today’s NFL, every team needs another runner. Alongside Conner and Jaylen Samuels, Sanders could be another addition to the backfield.
For Sanders, he’d love to continue his career in Pennsylvania. The star at Penn State would be a household name for many Steelers’ fans, and for him, it’d be a blessing to come to the Steel City after the NFL Draft.
"“I had conversations with teams, but I still have no idea where I’ll end up,” Sanders told CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith. “You can’t control where you want to go. That’s what is so nerve-wracking about it. (The Steelers) would be a blessing too.”"
Waiting certainly helped Sanders. Learning behind one of the best college athletes of the generation, Sanders got plenty of knowledge from Barkley. Now, he’s hoping he can work with a Hall of Fame quarterback, Pro Bowl running back and a wide receiver with a giant chip on his shoulder.
The Steelers will likely take a running back in the middle of the draft. They like to bring in local guys and if Sanders is sitting around when they’re thinking offense, he could be a real option for Pittsburgh.
His playing time his rookie season may be limited with Conner and Samuels, but the trio could produce some exciting plays from the backfield. For a rookie, joining this offense means you’re going to learn and you’re going to succeed, if you put in the effort.