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Steelers Mock Draft: Pittsburgh finds Javon Hargrave’s replacement at pick 49

By Tommy Jaggi

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 28: Justin Madubuike #52 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 28: Justin Madubuike #52 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 30: AJ Dillon #2 of the Boston College Eagles in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on November 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 30: AJ Dillon #2 of the Boston College Eagles in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on November 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

3rd Round (comp): A.J. Dillon

Running back, Boston College

This is a player I am very intrigued by. Running back A.J. Dillon is a big, athletic bruiser between the tackles, and is cut from the same breed of athlete as Derrick Henry. Though he didn’t offer a lot in the passing game in college, he has flashed some upside in this area, but it’s a sacrifice Pittsburgh may be willing to make.

If you put on the film, you’ll see a guy who can’t be slowed down once he builds momentum, and he’s a nightmare to bring down if he gets a whole. Dillon is the opposite of Le’Veon Bell in that he’s not a player who will patiently wait behind the line of scrimmage for a hole to open up. However, that doesn’t mean he lacks vision. Dillon is more of a ‘one-cut-and-go’ runner who sees the hole and hits it as hard as just about any back I’ve seen in recent years.

Dillon checks a lot of the boxes the Steelers look for in running back. He’s big (6’0”, 247 pounds), durable, (played 35 games in three seasons), and productive (4,382 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns). He’s an intriguing prospect with his combination of size and athleticism, and could be exactly what the Steelers are looking for in James Conner’s replacement.

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