Steelers could look for RB depth
In each of the past two years, the Steelers have reached the postseason, only to see their playoff run derailed, at least in part because they were forced to use backup running backs.
Of course, there are backups, then there are backups.
After losing Le’Veon Bell in the last week of the regular season in 2014, the Steelers signed veteran DeAngelo Williams to serve as Bell’s backup for 2015.
Little did they know they would lose both prior to the start of last year’s playoffs. Such is the life of a running back in the NFL, where the wear and tear can quickly add up.
The Steelers feel confident a torn MCL that sidelined Bell for all but six games in 2015 will be healed in time for the regular season, and Williams also will be back for his 11th NFL season. Behind those two, however, Fitzgerald Toussaint, who’s fumble against Denver in the playoffs led to the Broncos’ game-winning score, and Daryl Richardson, signed off the scrap heap this offseason, have the most experience. And neither is in the class of Bell or Williams.
The Steelers only have Roosevelt Nix on the roster at fullback after Will Johnson left in free agency to sign with the Giants.
So the Steelers will be looking to strengthen their backfield when the NFL Draft is held April 28-30.
Pittsburgh has seven selections in the seven-round draft, including the 25th pick in the first round.
The Steelers won’t necessarily be looking at the top-of-the-draft talent such as Ezekial Elliott of Ohio State, Alabama Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry or Alex Collins of Arkansas, but they could look at a potential late-round gem such as San Jose State’s Tyler Ervin.
Ervin is another scatback type the Steelers have tried to acquire in previous years with Dri Archer and Chris Rainey. But at 5-10, 192 pounds, Ervin is bigger and stronger than Archer or Rainey, neither of whom carved out much of a role with Pittsburgh.
Ervin also is more accomplished as a runner than Archer or Rainey were coming out of college. In 2015, Ervin rushed for 1,469 yards, caught 44 passes for 337 yards and averaged 23.9 yards per kick return. He finished second in the nation by averaging 200.8 all-purpose yards per game.
“The San Jose State star is explosive, can make you miss in space and can catch it,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said, noting that comparisons between Ervin and longtime diminutive NFL star Darren Sproles are legitimate.
Like Sproles, Ervin has excellent speed. He ran a 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds at the combine and followed that with a 4.36 at his on-campus workout.
Another prospect who could draw Pittsburgh’s interest is former Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds, the kind of do-it-all player the Steelers like to have around.
As the trigger man in Navy’s triple-option offense, the 5-10, 205-pound Reynolds set the NCAA record for rushing by a quarterback with 4,559 yards and rushing touchdowns with 88, finishing fifth in the Heisman voting last year.
NFL Network draft analyst Charles Davis compared Reynolds’ talent to that of another former college quarterback who made the transition to running back in the NFL, Brian Mitchell.
“(The Redskins) made (Mitchell) a running back but where he really had his best value was as a kick and punt returner,” said Davis. “His name litters the NFL record book with the damage he did.
“I know some people see him as a slot receiver. I see him as a running back and I think he can learn to return kicks and give himself some added value.”
As part of his attendance at the Naval Academy, Reynolds has a five-year commitment to serve in the Navy, but the government has worked with past athletes to allow them to delay or otherwise serve out their commitment.