Trending
The following is the second of seven Pittsburgh Steelers position analyses for the 2024 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday, April 25:
RUNNING BACKS
Current roster: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson, Aaron Shampklin, Jack Colletto (FB)
Last five drafts: Harris (2021, first round) has three 1,000-yard seasons for the Steelers and seems to run his best late in the year. Anthony McFarland Jr. (2020, fourth round) looked good last preseason but is now playing in the UFL. Benny Snell Jr. (2019, fourth round) had some decent seasons as a backup.
Top running backs available: Jonathon Brooks, Texas; Jaylen Wright, Tennessee; Blake Corum, Michigan; Trey Benson, Florida State; Bucky Irving, Oregon
Penn State/Pitt players: PSU's Trey Potts and Pitt's C'Bo Flemister aren't expected to get drafted.
Possible Steelers picks: Probably none
Analysis: The Steelers haven't concentrated much of their pre-draft planning on running backs. With the signing of Patterson, they now have three quality backs. They'll most likely sign a couple of free agent rookies and hope they find another hidden gem like Warren.
Coming Friday: Wide receivers and tight ends