Steelers disappoint fans in all-too-realistic NFL mock draft

Steelers mock draft round 2: Kenneth Gainwell

Personally, I think this selection comes a round too early, but we know how Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert, and Art Rooney II each made it a point this offseason to express that the running game needs to be fixed. While I would argue that addressing the offensive line will automatically help out the rushing attack, Pittsburgh might be worried that they won’t be able to grab the running back they want in round three.

We know that the Steelers had a personal meeting with Memphis running back, Kenneth Gainwell, this offseason, and it’s not hard to see how he would fit in Matt Canada’s new offense. At 5’8” and 201 pounds, Gainwell came in much smaller than expected and he tested as just a 57th percentile athlete. However, you wouldn’t be able to tell by watching his film.

Gainwell is a tough runner between the tackles but specializes in his ability in the passing game. He’s also a nightmare to contain as he can routinely bust long runs outside of the tackle. Pittsburgh will be drawn to his production (2,069 scrimmage yards in 2019) and underclassman status as a redshirt sophomore. He could very well fit the bill of the new direction the Steelers will be trying to go on offense, and there could be a big drop in talent level at running backs if Pittsburgh waits one more round to draft one.