3 players Pittsburgh Steelers need to target in 2021 NFL Draft

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 01: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers carries the ball against Lathan Ransom #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the fourth quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. Travis Etienne. . player. Pick Analysis. RB. Clemson. 55

The idea of drafting a running back in the first round is a blasphemous one in some circles but the Steelers’ struggles in the backfield this season were such that it should be a legitimate consideration for Pittsburgh.

Of course, production on the ground is as much a symptom of strong offensive line play as it is talent at the position. However, the lack of explosion from the likes of James Conner – a free agent this offseason – Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland Jr. has been glaring and made it clear that the Steelers should look to upgrade their options at tailback.

Etienne was outperformed by Alabama’s Najee Harris during the 2020 college football season but his body of work over the course of his career with the Tigers is deserving of the title of top running back in the class.

With 4,952 rushing yards, 1,155 receiving yards and a total of 78 touchdowns from scrimmage, Etienne has proven to be a dual-threat running back who is as dangerous on the ground as he is catching the ball out of the backfield.

Burst, vision and agility and power are all key parts of Etienne’s arsenal and, should he slide to the back half of the first round, the Steelers need to be ready to pounce.

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