3 small school prospects that could be steals for the Steelers after 2020

James Conner’s time in Pittsburgh is likely ending after 2020.

With Pittsburgh seemingly dedicating themselves to a committee-type approach with acquiring a short-yardage power back and a fast and exclusive running back to use in most other situations, it seems as though they may not take a running back in the early rounds of the draft. They may not even draft a running back at all. That doesn’t mean they aren’t looking at late-round fliers and possible undrafted running backs that could have success. It wasn’t too long ago that Denver signed an undrafted RB by the name of Phillip Lindsay and he forced his way into a starting role.

That is where Central Washinton’s Michael Roots comes into the picture. He could very well go undrafted which would almost force the Steelers to bring him in on a tryout. At 5’9 and weighing 200 pounds, he isn’t the biggest back. Yet, he ran a 4.59 in high school while weighing 186. I’m assuming his 40 time would be about the same, and that gives him a nice bit of burst in his short stocky build.

Watching highlights of him I noticed a couple of key things. First, he holds the ball very high and tight at all times. He is consistently taking care of the football and as a small school product, it is nice to see him keep himself from getting sloppy. He is a very north and south type runner that isn’t afraid of contact, and oftentimes actually looks for it. Yet, he is very patient about going into his next gear as he is following his blocks before taking off. He has a very mature style of running at this point in his career. For someone who won’t be the biggest or the fastest, he could carve out a stellar career by being sound with great vision, good burst, and excellent ball security.

He originally started his college career with Southern Oregon before transferring to CWU in for his sophomore season. He has had a home at the division 2 school ever since, and even as a division 2 athlete could still find a home in the NFL if he happens to get a break. The Steelers should provide him that break. This is not to say he is the next Ezekiel Elliott, however, Roots could very well make the roster by the start of the 2021 season and that is saying something for an undrafted Division 2 prospect.