The Pittsburgh Steelers are another team that has yet to solve their issue at running back. The team said goodbye to Chris Rainey and let Rashard Mendenhall walk away due to free agency. They did bring in Jonathan Dwyer, but he may not be a top guy. That leaves the Steelers likely to look towards the draft to help solve the vacancies in the ground game. The team is reportedly interested in former Wisconsin back Montee Ball.
Ball was a standout runner during his time at Wisconsin. The Heisman candidate nominee is being overlooked as a marquee name in this year's draft class, he does hold the record as the NCAA all-time leader in total touchdowns, something that should put him ahead of most other running backs. Ball is scouted as an every down kind of running back that could handle 20-30 carries per game.
While Ball just does not stand out as being dominant in one aspect of the game, he is able to change his running style to fit the defense he is facing. He is a good cutback running, not needing a large hole in the line tear chunk of yardage. He does not have breakaway speed, but he is shifty enough that it makes a defense struggle to cover him. Ball made headlines when he decided to return for his senior season, but ended up rushing for 1,830 yards and 22 touchdowns. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
Pittsburgh attempted to get a running back in free agency. The team ranked 26th in the NFL in rushing stats last season and were forced to look at every option in order to improve the unit. They brought in Beanie Wells and LaRod Stephens-Howling for visits but never offered them a formal contract. The Steelers were heavily interested in Ahmad Bradshaw, but again failed to negotiate a contract.
Bradshaw is now rumored to be signing with the Denver Broncos, leaving the Steelers with fewer options approaching the draft. Ball will not be taken in the first round. The Steelers will likely use their first pick to find a replacement for linebacker James Harrison. Ball will be a steal in the second or third round of the draft. The Steelers could draft him and end up reaping big awards from it.
