Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh doubles-up on offensive line help early
By Tommy Jaggi
Round 3 (pick 87): Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
I’m not usually a big fan of drafting running backs, and taking a player like Najee Harris in the first round would make me sick. However, Michael Carter has quickly become one of my favorite prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. North Carolina had a dominant rushing duo of carter and Javonte Williams in 2020. Though Williams (5’10”, 220lbs), has the desired build Pittsburgh typically looks for to carry the load, he may not make it back to the Steelers second-round pick.
Carter could honestly end up being the better running back of the two. But at 5’8” and 202 pounds, he may not be exactly what Pittsburgh is looking for. The Steelers did, however, just take a smaller back in Anthony McFarland last year (5’8”, 208 lbs), but Carter is a much more complete player.
While Pittsburgh typically goes with big, bruising backs, this strategy really hasn’t paid off in recent years, and Matt Canada has had great success in the past with players like McFarland. Michael Carter averaged an astonishing 8.0 yards per carry last year and 10.7 yards per reception. He would be an absolute weapon on the Steelers.