Running back does not seem like a need for the Steelers heading into the 2023 season, but that could change quickly. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren proved to be a fantastic duo last year and should carry that over. Strange things happen in the NFL all the time and it is possible that Harris and potentially Warren do not have a season like last year.
Even if both have a down year, it would seem like the club would still stick with the two, but Warren's job could come under heat. That is when the draft could open some potential options that Pittsburgh could show interest in. Another first round pick used on a running back seems unlikely, but there are some quality guys going to be available in the 2024 NFL draft.
Steelers should keep a close eye on these honorable mentions
Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan
Donovan Edwards is one of two dynamic running backs at Michigan. Many top programs in college are going with a two-headed monster approach. Edwards is a bigger back that had a tremendous conclusion last year after his teammate, Blake Corrum got injured. Edwards might be better off to return to school following this season, but he could be gunning for the NFL.
Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
Look out for Trey Benson and Florida State this year as they have plenty of talent returning. Benson is a running back that is extremely difficult to bring down. He could elevate his draft stock to a Bijan Robinson level if he is able to put up astronomical numbers. Benson has all the tools, now he just needs to produce with them.
Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
Getting in the open grass is where Will Shipley does his best work as a back at Clemson. He does not have a lot of traits that you would normally see in a top-tier NFL prospect for this position. Shipley is a shifty guy that uses his quality vision and escapability to his advantage. Clemson has not been a powerhouse in recent years, but that is not because of this back as he remains successful.
Braelon Allen could carry on Wisconsin's excellent NFL production at running back
There are a lot of things to like about Braelon Allen and what he has brought to the Wisconsin Badgers football program. He has seen a ton of comparisons brought his way and it could be fair to say he is like a mixture of Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry in some ways. Perhaps giving out that comparison is unfair to a college player, but he is a big back that produces at a high level.
Most of the recent history of the Badgers program has been filled with utter disappointment. The good news is that they have a star running back and they play in the weaker side of the Big Ten conference. Allen should be able to still put up some quality numbers, even though his chances might dwindle some.
With a new coach in the fold, the offense seems to be leaning more toward an air raid attack. That could limit the number of chances that Allen gets the ball in a game and could sink his numbers when compared to years prior. A good thing that could come from that change is Allen showing more as a receiver for his position and becoming more well-rounded.
One thing that makes Allen stick out among his fellow classmates in the 2024 NFL draft is his size. He uses that to his advantage and continuously finds different ways to bowl over the competition in front of him. His biggest issue will be his lateral quickness, but he plays the brand of football that the Steelers love to see.
Steelers could chase down the most explosive back in college ball with Blake Corum
One of the most exciting backs to watch in all of college football in recent years has been Blake Corrum. He started to emerge two years ago but really burst onto the scene in 2022 as he took the bulk of the carries. He has back-to-back seasons with over ten touchdowns in both campaigns and ran for over 2,500 rushing yards in that same stretch.
He could have been one of the top running backs in the 2023 NFL draft if he was in the event. Corrum is back at Michigan and suffered an injury that cut last season short, which produced an opportunity for his duo partner Edwards to catch the eye of many scouts. Michigan has arguably the best one-two punch in the country heading into the 2023 season.
This should be a big year for the Wolverines, they have two solid backs and a quarterback that is getting some buzz. Most of the draft stock surrounding Corrum will result from how he is able to bounce back from last year’s injury. If he returns to pre-injury form, then he will likely get a steady conversation to go in the first round.
A knock against Corrum that will last throughout his career is the lack of size that he plays at. He is only 5'8 and 210 pounds. That could become an issue in the NFL with the type of speed and size that defensive players possess nowadays. Corrum is the most explosive back to likely come out of the 2024 NFL draft.
Raheim Sanders has a shot at being the top back in the 2024 NFL draft class
A lot can still be written when it comes to the story of Raheim Sanders before he declares for the draft after this season. Plenty of things could go right for him this year and establish himself as a top running back prospect in the 2024 draft. There is also a chance that Sanders struggles after some Arkansas Razorbacks left the program.
He had a breakout year in 2022, and it was an impressive showing for the player. He has a good frame that most NFL clubs love to see in a back, and he does not lose much speed while moving around the field. A combination of size and speed is hard to find in the game of football and that is why Sanders has earned the nickname of "Rocket".
Again, there could be a lot of interest in Sanders coming into the year and the Steelers should pay close attention. The biggest question mark about him right now is if he can keep that production moving in a positive direction. He has all the tools and has shown some ability to be an all-around back by catching passes out of the backfield.
Perhaps out of all of the top running back prospects listed in this article, Sanders might have the most to prove in 2023. He needs to show continued improvement in his all-around game and also needs to show no signs of slowing down in his rushing numbers. He is an exciting player to watch, but if all else fails, he could always return to school for another year.
TreVeyon Henderson will lead one of the best duos in football at Ohio State
One of the youngest at his position in this potential draft class is TreVeyon Henderson out of Ohio State. He has shown some great numbers in the past, which include both the passing and rushing parts of his offense. Things went sideways for him last season after he struggled with a torn ligament in his left foot, which is now healed.
Not everything will be easy for Henderson to return back to his freshman form back in the 2021 season. Miyan Williams is his fellow Buckeyes teammate and had a successful year while Henderson was away with an injury. That could complicate both of their roles, which could cloud some of Henderson's production when it is all said and done.
It is slightly concerning with the ligament injury and the effect that it could have on his game. He will have to prove to everyone that he is healthy and better than ever in terms of production and tape that he puts out there. The Steelers love Ohio State products, and Henderson could be an interesting piece to bring into the building if he falls.
He will hope to get back to the numbers that he posted in his freshman year, which is not unreasonable to imagine. C.J. Stroud is no longer in that offense, so it is possible that Ohio State leans more on their duo at running back to take some pressure off the incoming starter. Henderson is an explosive back and should be able to stay in the first-round conversation.