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Steelers need to take NFL Combine with a grain of salt

By Eric Hassel

Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 22: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 22: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

The Steelers may want to add to the stable of running backs

The Steeler’s run game in 2019 was atrocious.  According to NFL.com, the rushing attack was more like a rushing retreat, averaging 90.4 yards per game, which ranked us 29th in that category.  James Conner, our ‘number one’ back missed quite a bit of time during the 2019 season and managed only 464 yards on the ground.

As I have stated many, many times in previous articles, I grew up watching the Steelers of the 1970s.  I realize that the Steelers offense has evolved since then, but I think the one element that has remained a priority is the ability to run the ball effectively.  That did not happen in 2019.

Now, I don’t think we will draft a running back in the second round, but I can see us taking one in the later rounds.  With that said, if the best player available in the second round is a running back, I think we need to at least entertain the possibility.

Given the fact that Conner did miss some time last season and given the fact that Benny Snell Jr, the Steelers fourth-round pick in 2019, is more of a ‘thunder’ type of back, we most definitely need a ‘lightning’ type pf back.  Neither Conner nor Snell fits the bill in that department, so to speak.

Another position on the offensive side of the ball the Steelers may be scouting at the combine is Wide Receiver.  Although I think we have the makings of better than average receiving corp, it certainly would not hurt to add a receiver who can stretch the field, something that was glaringly absent in the offense in 2019.

So, again, do the Steelers draft another receiver in 2020?  Do we place emphasis on combine results to determine what wide receiver would be a good fit for the offense?  I hope not. Like I stated previously when you’re running routes and running in a straight line for 40 yards unencumbered and without pads, you’re going to look fast, but is that a true measure of football speed?

Let’s take a look at some positions on the defensive side of the ball the Steelers may be scouting.

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