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Running Backs the Steelers could add in the 2020 draft

By Edward Hunt

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Jack Coan #17 of the Wisconsin Badgers hands the ball off to Jonathan Taylor #23 against the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl game presented by Northwestern Mutual at Rose Bowl on January 01, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Jack Coan #17 of the Wisconsin Badgers hands the ball off to Jonathan Taylor #23 against the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl game presented by Northwestern Mutual at Rose Bowl on January 01, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

If this were five months ago, I would have never thought Taylor would last until the second-round where the Steelers are picking. His stock has dropped and it’s not his completely his fault.

One of the concerns is that Jonathan Taylor has carried the ball a lot in his three-year career at Wisconsin. He has been the centerpiece of the Badgers offense, but the concern is that he has taken too many hits to have a long career in the NFL.

I actually think Jonathan Taylor has been durable in his career. There have been many players who have had long careers because they are naturally durable and take care of their bodies. I am concerned about how much he has touched the ball, but I also think he is tougher than most.

Jonathan Taylor had 6,174 yards rushing in his three-year career at Wisconsin. He was an elite rusher his whole career at Wisconsin. He also has 50 rushing touchdowns to his name.

There is also concern about the number of fumbles he has. He does have a fumbling problem and I think that could be the reason he could be available at 47 where the Steelers pick in the second round.

On the bright-side, he is a great runner on tape with the ball in his hands. He is an elusive and physical runner who brings a rare combination of power and speed to his running style. He also has good burst out of the backfield and is athletic enough to hurdle defenders.

Sure, the Steelers would like to see better production from Taylor in the passing game, but I think he has some potential in that area. He was asked to do long passes in Wisconsin’s offense and that was on rarer occasions.

The Steelers could simplify the passing game for him and make him catch out of the backfield where he can get in space and use his running ability.

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