PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – As the Steelers approach the time to make the 24th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday, is running back a serious consideration?
"I don't think you can ever underestimate the value of a quality player at any position," said Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert. "Running back is no different."
There is much talk among the draft experts if running back is worth a first round pick because of the way the game has changed. Colbert says he understands the game is different than the one he and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin grew up watching. He did also note that most of the Hall of Fame tailbacks were taken in high rounds.
"As for the running back position, we have four veteran guys on this roster," Colbert said. "Could we add to it? Sure. How it all breaks down, no one will know. Until we get in and play a game, no one will know if its better."
Do they believe there are players available that could immediately help the running game in this draft? Is their initial best fix at running back or offensive line?
"When you look at the running game, you have to start up front," Colbert said Monday. "Then you have to look at the runners themselves. You are never going to leave any part of the offense out, it's a collective effort."
Colbert did acknowledge they have some issues with retirement of Maurkice Pouncey, loss of Matt Feiler and likely loss of Alejandro Villaneuva.
"We have some challenges up front because we don't have the same offensive line that we had last year," Colbert said. "There will be differences. It will be up to coach to see how we shift people around. We could play a game today based on who we have."
"Is that going be our line? Who knows what we will end up doing with those positions, being center, guard or tackle."
Tomlin said their running game issues are wide spread. They involve more than just a player, or two or three.
"The improvements in the running game go beyond just the acquisition of additional players," Tomlin said. "We are capable of performing better than we have, players aside. Schematics, formations, the things that we do to give ourselves a strategic advantage need to be improved. That's some of the things we are working on."
Colbert added something you hear a lot of this time of year, it's not as much about the position as it is whether they like a certain player and if he can help them.
The 21-year Steelers GM said they are open to anything in the first round. Will it be running back for the first time since Rashard Mendenhall in 2008? Will it be an offensive player for the first time since 2012?
Listen on Thursday for all day NFL Draft coverage including the pick live from Cleveland and immediate reaction.
