Running Backs the Steelers could add in the 2020 draft

James Robinson, RB, Illinois State

There is a running back that is falling under the radar because he comes from a small school but should not be overlooked. It’s James Robinson from Illinois State. He was the feature back for the Illinois State Redbirds and a good performer at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

What draws me to him is his tape. He is a patient runner who runs for tough yards using his elusiveness. What intrigues me about him is the way he effectively changes speeds to avoid tacklers. It is almost like throwing a change-up after throwing a fastball in baseball.

I will admit that he tries to do too much at times and that can hurt him. I think this is because he was asked to be the centerpiece of the redbirds offense. They gave him the ball even when a pass may have been more effective.

The benefit is if the Steelers draft him, he doesn’t have to be the centerpiece of the offense. He just has to provide misdirection and keep defenses guess. An offense is like yin and yang (run and pass) and you need both to be effective in the NFL.

I do have my concerns about his speed on tape. He isn’t the fastest runner on the field. He ran a 4.6 40 but still did okay in the 3-cone and short shuttle which tell me he has the short-area quickness that running backs need.

The Steelers could probably get him on Day Three and maybe picking him in the fourth or sixth-round may be appropriate. I think if the Steelers had a fifth-round pick then that’s where they should use the pick.

I generally like to wait in the draft to take running backs because you can get equivalent value in the later rounds. I think sometimes if you make it your goal to upgrade the running game then the best thing to do is to draft offensive linemen early and then take running backs later.