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3 NFL Draft prospects Steelers could target from HBCU schools

By Loyal Ricks Jr

FAMU offensive lineman Keenan Forbes (77) sits on the sideline during the Orange Blossom Classic between the Rattlers and Jackson State at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021.Orange Blossom Classic 090521 Ts 3243
FAMU offensive lineman Keenan Forbes (77) sits on the sideline during the Orange Blossom Classic between the Rattlers and Jackson State at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021.Orange Blossom Classic 090521 Ts 3243 /
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Florida A&M offensive lineman Keenan Forbes (77).Famu Vs Grambling 103021 Ts 434 /

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of holes to fill this offseason, and these three HBCU prospects could be what they’re looking for in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Division one football has reached a new type of exposure this off-season. For the first time in its history, the National Football League hosted an event dedicated to HBCU athletes. Historically Black colleges and Universities have had a hand in grooming some of football’s best talent. Players like Donald Driver, Steve McNair, Robert Mathis, and Doug Williams have all continued their education at Historically Black Universities.

As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming draft, athletes from these Universities have been working diligently to show themselves approved. If the Steelers are searching for hidden gems in this year’s draft, they can find them in the small HBCU’s.

Keenan Forbes, OL Florida A&M

Dominating the line of scrimmage has been a recurring issue for Mike Tomlin’s offense. It has been five seasons since the fans have seen opponents tremble at the thought of facing the Steelers ground and pound offense. It was then when Le’Veon Bell’s patience transformed into a balanced offensive attack.

Since then, the Steelers have struggled to rush for more than 3.9 yards a carry. Dismissing James Connor after the 2020 NFL season looked like the answer to Pittsburgh’s inability to carry the rock effectively. Unfortunately, the next season would prove that the situation required further assistance.

Drafting Najee Harris was a great move in the eyes of many Pittsburgh enthusiasts. Having one of Alabama’s best athletes would improve any team, but Harris was the perfect fit. Highlights of his collegiate career enticed the appetites of the team’s supporters.

When it was time to perform on football’s biggest stage, Harris did the best that he could. Reaching one thousand yards rushing in his rookie season was an amazing accomplishment, but for some reason, it felt different. Usually, an accomplishment like his looks seamless but Harris’ achievement was forced.

Pittsburgh’s running back shuffle produced the same results as the year before. Their inability to run the football affected other areas of their offense. After seventeen games, the Steelers found themselves ranked at the bottom of the league in total offense.

Adding an offensive lineman to the roster could benefit the Steelers in more ways than one. Florida A&M’s Keenan Forbes may be an asset to keep an eye on. Forbes has been named an All-American in the MEAC conference and has dominated his position for two consecutive years. His hard work and resilience earned him an invitation to the first HBCU NFL Combine.

It was there where Forbes caught the eye of NFL Network’s Scott Pioli, who was impressed with his skillset. When asked about Florida A&M’s star guard, Pioli responded with high praises. “Lose in hips, bent well, moved well, changed direction well. He’s clearly a guard” he said. If the Steelers want to fix their issues of running the football, drafting an offensive guard might be the solution.

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