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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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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The LSU Tigers topped the Clemson Tigers, 42-25. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The LSU Tigers topped the Clemson Tigers, 42-25. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU

Edwards-Helaire was the running back on the LSU team that had a magical season. They went undefeated in the SEC and went on to win the National Championship in a perfect season. Joe Burrow is getting a lot of credit for this as he should, but he could not do it without a running game.

Edwards-Helaire was the top running back on that LSU offense. In 2019, he ran for 1,414 yards and 16 touchdowns. This was his best season because he was behind a lot of great backs like Leonard Fournette, Darius Guice and even Nick Brosette.

There is a lot to like about Edwards-Helaire’s tape. He is an elusive runner that is hard to bring down. He is also an explosive runner who can break out a big gain out of nowhere. He is guided by good vision to see the running lanes.

He also has some strengths as a receiver which can’t be understated. He has been asked to line up as an outside receiver and that is a testament to the fact that he is a good route runner for a running back. He also has helped the Tigers catching passes out of the backfield.

There is something to be said about taking a player from a winning culture. He won as a starter and was around a good offense at LSU. I think Ed Orgeron is starting to be recognized as one of the better coaches in College Football.

This is a big game back who won’t be phased by playing for a great franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has shown the ability to perform in big games and that will help him play for a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers who have a proud tradition.

I also think he could give the Steelers a lot of carries because he was only a one-year starter. Certainly, the Steelers could get more mileage out of a guy like Edwards-Helaire than a guy like Jonathan Taylor who has carried the load for three years.

Edwards-Helaire also wouldn’t cost the Steelers as much as he is more of a third-rounder while a guy like Jonathan Taylor is probably going to cost the Steelers a second-round pick.

Edwards-Helaire is capable of being a #1 back, but might have to run behind James Conner for a year until Conner’s contract runs out. This would also give Edwards-Helaire a chance to develop and still get some carries as a rookie.

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