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Steelers 2022 NFL Draft preview: Top-3 running backs

By Ryan Pawloski

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Michigan State Spartans looks for yards while playing the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Michigan State Spartans looks for yards while playing the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Michigan State Spartans runs the ball. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State

Kenneth Walker III is the best running back in this draft class. He is coming out of Michigan State as a Junior. He only played there for one season after transferring from Wake Forest, where he spent his first two collegiate years.

2021 was a breakout season for Walker so that could dissuade teams as they will wonder if that was just a blip on the radar. He had a tremendous year that garnered him some Heisman votes once the season was completed. It was a great year for the Spartans and this prospect was the program’s best player.

Walker seems to be the most NFL-ready out of his fellow prospects that play the same position. He produced the best numbers in 2021 and it wasn’t very close. The biggest knack against him and the majority of his fellow class is the lack of stats in the receiving game. They can run with the rock but they haven’t shown the ability to be a difference-maker in the passing game as well.

That will affect both Walker and the other running backs when the draft picks start rolling in. The Steelers were wise to pick Najee Harris last year because none of these players have the track record that could come close to Harris. Walker is a skilled player that is coming off a tremendous breakout season but he will need to carry that over to the NFL on day one. He is projected as a second to third-round selection.

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The Steelers are set at their starting running back spot but they might need a nice complimentary piece to Najee Harris. This class might not be as strong as it was in 2021 but it has some big names that put up huge numbers.

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