4 NFL Draft prospects Steelers have expressed strong interest in

Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

This one seems obvious, and if you have been following along with the Pro Day’s it’s not hard to see why. In addition to Pittsburgh sending the house to Clemson, the Steelers also had a meeting with running back, Travis Etienne, and their need at the position seems glaring.

While it has been rumored that James Conner’s market is small enough that he may be able to return on a cheap deal, Etienne would be a clear upgrade over any player they already have on their roster. In addition, Pittsburgh was willing to keep four running backs last year (not counting fullback, Derek Watt), and I would be shocked if Jaylen Samuels somehow stuck around for another season.

Travis Etienne has been an electrifying player all through college and he has only improved as a receiver throughout his four-year career at Clemson. His combination of speed and explosion with his ability to routinely shake arms tackles makes him my number one running back in the 2021 draft class. It’s very possible that new offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, could view it that way as well. With their most significant personnel on hand at Clemson’s Pro Day and a big need to improve the running back room, Travis Etienne is a player the Steelers haven’t tried to hide their interest in.