PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – This is one in a series of potential Steelers first round picks based on national and local experts.
Travis Etienne-RB (5’10”, 205 pounds, Sr., Clemson)
BIO-a finalist for many of the individual awards including Doak Walker, Hornung Award, Maxwell Award. Etienne was a consensus All-American. Rushed for 914 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior, also set the Clemson single-season record for running back receptions with 48 for 588 yards. Etienne would combine for over 2,000 yards and 23 total scores as a junior. He made a name as a sophomore, rushing for 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns during the Tigers national championship season. He made an impact immediately with 13 touchdowns his freshman season. A four-star prospect that picked Clemson over offers from most major colleges.
Pro Football Network Tony Pauline’s take
“24 (Steelers pick position) is a little bit early. I like Etienne. I think he gets the most from his ability. I think he is a smart, tough football player who really stepped up last year when Clemson was struggling for skill players and Trevor Lawrence was running the show. Etienne had a terrific season. Etienne is more like JK Dobbins, he doesn’t have great physical skills but he is smart, he’s tough and he’s a guy who does a lot of things well.
MOCK PROJECTIONS
-CBS Sports Ryan Wilson—32nd to Tampa Bay
-CBS Sports Chris Trapasso—not in first round
-CBS Sports Josh Edwards—not in first round
-CBS Sports Pete Prisco—23rd to Jets
-Sporting News—30th to Buffalo
-Pro Football Network—23rd to Jets
-NFL Network Charley Casserly—not in first round
-NFL Network Chad Reuter—not in first round