Improve the running backroom
Don’t misinterpret my stance on the running back position; most running backs are still dependent on the big guys up front and a creative offensive scheme in order to routinely find success on the ground. However, these Steelers running backs haven’t been doing the offensive line any favors this year.
While running the football is a two-way street between the offensive linemen and the running backs, nobody should be fooled into thinking that the Steelers have a great group of running backs here. James Conner is an extremely likable guy, but his traits for the position are only average, and there is a reason why the Steelers were able to land him with a compensatory third-round pick (which many analysts thought was too high at the time). Likewise, players like Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland, and Jaylen Samuels could all be had for fourth or fifth-round draft choices.
This is partially because running backs are ‘a dime a dozen.’ However, there is still a difference between a really good NFL running back and what the Steelers have right now. While the 2021 running back class isn’t spectacular, there are some players they could land in the first three rounds who would prove to be a massive upgrade from what they are dealing with right now. If the running backs are performing better, it will make the run blocking look better as well.
At the end of the day, we know that changes need to be made in order to improve the offensive line moving forward. If the Steelers can do these four things, we could see drastic improvements on the ground in just one season.