Steelers 2021 mock draft: Taking the best players available

Round 3: RB Michael Carter

The two to the one-two punch at RB at the University of North Carolina, Michael Carter is the real deal. A name that makes all the sense as to why the Steelers have options in waiting on selecting an RB early, selecting him in the third round would be chef-kiss.

Although he’s only 5’8 and not a sprinter, he’s stout at 200 lbs and has more 20+ yard runs than any other RB in the NCAA in the past two seasons (29), per PFF. Rather than trying to be a creator out the backfield, he’s efficient by being patient and operates north to south as a ball carrier. Also possessing good vision, Carter has great quickness in-and-outs his cuts that end with tacklers sliding right off him.

Aside from just being effective on the ground, he also tallied three straight seasons of at least 20 receptions. Providing on all three downs makes Carter one of the better RB in this class, although a team may not draft him to be a three-down back; Steelers, for example.

While he wouldn’t be the prototypical lead back Pittsburgh fans may desire that comes with a Najee or Travis Etienne, he would instantly boost this RB room in dire need of extra help.

Available options:

QB Davis Mills, EDGE Janarius Robinson, EDGE Payton Turner, RB Kenneth Gainwell