Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 offseason needs in 2020

2. Address the running back position early in the draft

When available, Le’Veon Bell was one of most productive and versatile running backs in the league. His final season with the Pittsburgh Steelers saw him total 321 carries for 1,291 yards and nine scores while finishing second on the team with 85 receptions, good for 655 yards and two touchdowns on a team that finished 13-3 in 2017.

That year, the team also used a third-round draft choice to add former University of Pittsburgh standout James Conner. After seeing limited action as a backup during his rookie campaign, he was the main man out of the backfield in 2018. There were 215 attempts for 973 yards and 12 scores and 55 catches for an additional 497 yards and one TD and he earned an invitation to the Pro Bowl. But he was banged up late in the year and also had his share of fumbling issues.

Conner once again led the team in rushing this past season with 464 yards on 116 carries. But injuries once again were a factor, causing him to miss six contests. He’s actually missed a total of nine games the past two seasons. A year ago, rookie Benny Snell Jr. ran for 426 yards and was the main running threat down the stretch. However, it may be time for the Steelers – who don’t have a first-round pick in April – to perhaps use that second-round selection on a true workhorse performer. And speaking of the ground attack…

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