What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

[Oviedo]

Re: What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

My gut is telling me that it's Gerhart in the 2nd round. (Though this will likely break Oviedo's heart)

Not really. That would be a decent pick but he would be able to do less than Spiller or Best in the return game and probably receiving game.

I'd have no issue with him though because we need to go RB in the first 3 rounds and that qualifies.

[Shawn]

Re: What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

I think the Steelers grab Gerhart or Blount. Both guys are beasts. Let the scat backs play elsewhere. We need a guy who can move chains and can create some holes when needed. Most importantly we need a bigger back in redzone situations.

[eniparadoxgma]

Re: What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

I want a big bad word fullback that can do double duty and pick up short yardage on his own.

Mount Cody played some blocking fullback for Alabama. Perhaps we could use him to plow a hole for Mendy at the goalline and perhaps even give him a Refrigerator Perry TD run as well.



I heard he might even be able to play nose tackle a little bit too. Perhaps using him as a goalline FB too would ease concerns by most that he is "only" a 2 down d-lineman. I would not be opposed to taking, say, Earl Thomas at #18, then trading up in the second to get Cody as the heir apparent to Casey (they could be Weight Watcher buddies).

Aaaaand this is where I defer to you. For some reason (perhaps my proximity to Commonwealth Stadium) I have just never gotten into college football so I have no idea who any of the above players are.

I'll assume Cody is about 400 though from the way you're talking about 'em. Let's get him! I'm all for some Refrigerator Perry type of goal line rock pounding.

[papillon]

Re: What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

I want a big bad word fullback that can do double duty and pick up short yardage on his own.

Mount Cody played some blocking fullback for Alabama. Perhaps we could use him to plow a hole for Mendy at the goalline and perhaps even give him a Refrigerator Perry TD run as well.



I heard he might even be able to play nose tackle a little bit too. Perhaps using him as a goalline FB too would ease concerns by most that he is "only" a 2 down d-lineman. I would not be opposed to taking, say, Earl Thomas at #18, then trading up in the second to get Cody as the heir apparent to Casey (they could be Weight Watcher buddies).

Well, if you draft Cody and you're worried that he's only a two down player, then you put him in on offense on 3rd down and now your first round drasft pick is a 3 down player. :P

Pappy

[Shawn]

Re: What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

Cody as a goaline fullback?

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

Cody as a goaline fullback?

either that or a Victoria's Secret model specializing in modeling bras...

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

FULLback. We need a fullback (a real big, nasty sledgehammer).

James Walker, ESPN.com, AFC North Blog

Draft Watch: AFC North With everyone healthy, the Steelers do not have a lot of holes beyond the obvious like offensive line and cornerback.

So let's dig deep with a covert need: Pittsburgh could use a good fullback next season. The Steelers struggled in short yardage and in the red zone, in part, because they lacked a devastating lead blocker to bust open holes in the defense. Carey Davis couldn't cut it. Converted tight end David Johnson was average but played out of position. Frank "The Tank" Summers was too green as a rookie last season. Adding to the quandary is offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' reluctance to utilize the position. Pittsburgh often uses three-receiver and single-back sets at the expense of fullbacks, and perhaps the Steelers' lack of talent at the position contributes to that. But if Pittsburgh finds a punishing run-blocker at fullback, third-and-short won't be such a daunting task next season.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

everytime i saw McCluster play he was incredible, one of the quickest players i've ever seen.


2010 draft running back rankings

Posted by Evan Silva on March 27, 2010


1. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State.

The NCAA's leading rusher in 2009, Mathews is ready to break tackles in the pros, runs with the best balance of any draft-eligible back, and is built (6'0/21 to be a workhorse with homerun speed (4.45).

Draft Prediction: Texans, No. 20 overall.

2. C.J. Spiller, Clemson.

Though he doesn't project as an NFL every-down back, Spiller is a big-time play-maker (52 career touchdowns; 21 from 50 or more yards out) with game-breaking return skills and a collection of devastating open-field moves.

Draft Prediction: 49ers, No. 17 overall.

3. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State.

Dixon lacks ideal speed (mid-4.6 forty), but is a punishing runner and possesses impressively soft hands for a back that plays in the 245-pound range.

Draft Prediction: Chargers, No. 40 overall.

4. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech.

A history of weight fluctuation, lack of pass-catching experience, and concerns about Dwyer's ability to transition from Georgia Tech's triple-option offense have hurt his stock, but the 2008 ACC Offensive Player of the Year's lower half is built for tackle-busting destruction.

Draft Prediction: Saints, No. 64 overall.

5. Jahvid Best, California.

Best has a disturbingly long injury history (season-ending back injury and concussion in 2009, plus hip, elbow and foot surgeries throughout college career), but he is the draft's purest homerun hitter, averaging a school record 7.3 yards per carry in three seasons at Cal.

Draft Prediction: Lions, No. 34 overall.

6. Toby Gerhart, Stanford.

Also a starting outfielder on the Cardinal baseball team, the 2009 Pac-10 Player of the Year is a hard-charging, no-frills runner with experience in a pro-style system and plenty of speed (4.53).

Draft Prediction: Patriots, No. 53 overall.

7. Joe McKnight, USC.

An NFL-ready third-down back, McKnight is polished in terms of blitz protection, offers top-notch receiving skills, and has the speed to go the distance (4.47) coming from USC's pro-style scheme.

Draft Prediction: Vikings, No. 62 overall.

8. Montario Hardesty, Tennessee.

Hardesty flourished in Lane Kiffin's zone-blocking scheme last year and tore up February's Combine, but underwent microfracture surgery at Tennessee and isn't a difference-making talent.

Draft Prediction: Packers, No. 86 overall.

9. Dexter McCluster, Mississippi.

Second in Ole Miss history behind only Deuce McAllister in all-purpose yards, McCluster is incredibly versatile but was injury prone early in his college career and is extremely undersized.

Draft Prediction: Steelers, No. 82 overall.

10. James Starks, Buffalo.

Starks missed his entire senior year after undergoing surgery on both shoulders, but proved he is 100 percent with a strong Combine and possesses the skill set of a future every-down back.

Draft Prediction: Seahawks, No. 104 overall.

11. LeGarrette Blount, Oregon.

Character concerns will haunt Blount on draft weekend, but he is a bone-crushing runner with surprising speed and quickness, and is built like Christian Okoye.

Draft Prediction: Chiefs, No. 144 overall.

12. Deji Karim, Southern Illinois.

The 2009 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, Karim missed all of 2008 with a torn patellar tendon but returned to average 7.1 yards per carry with 19 touchdowns as a senior and ran a sub-4.4 forty at his Pro Day.

Draft Prediction: Redskins, No. 135 overall.

13. Ben Tate, Auburn.

Tate ran 4.43 at February's Combine, but doesn't play nearly as fast and may get overdrafted based on impressive out-of-pads measurables.

Draft Prediction: Browns, No. 71 overall.

14. Dimitri Nance, Arizona State.

Built like a bowling ball at 5-foot-9, 225, Nance is physical between the tackles and caught an impressive 63 passes in his college career, though he averaged just 4.0 yards per carry.

Draft Prediction: Rams, No. 208 overall.

15. Joique Bell, Wayne State.

The 2009 Harlon Hill Trophy winner as Division II's player of the year, Bell scored 100 touchdowns in 44 games but lacks ideal speed (4.6 and quickness, and has lots of wear on his tires after over 1,000 career carries.

Draft Prediction: Bears, No. 218 overall.

[Chadman]

Re: What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

Really torn between the need for a 'pounder' & a 'flier'.

Steelers have shown interest in Charles Scott & LeGarrette Blount as well as Spiller. Perhaps they don't know??

As a late round pick- Chadman would love the Steelers to grab John Conner out of Kentucky.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: What do the Steelers need more - a Big back or a scatback?

2010 NFL draft: Rating the running backs


In the second of series previewing the April 22-24 NFL draft, Chicago Tribune reporter Dan Pompei looks at poor group of running backs in the NFL draft

April 8, 2010



1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson, 5-10, 196: Spiller is a little smaller than ideal. But he is a little similar to Chris Johnson, who led the NFL in rushing yards for the Titans last year. Like Johnson, Spiller has home run speed, though he might not be as elusive a runner. He is best in the open field, but he can run inside adequately. Spiller also is a talented return man. Spiller is the best of a below average group, but in most years he would not be considered the best back in the draft.

2. Ryan Matthews, Fresno State, 5-11, 218: This is the most instinctive, natural running back in the draft, and it showed as he led the nation in rushing last season. Matthews does everything pretty well, but doesn't excel in any one area. He doesn't have top speed or unusual quickness. He has been compared to Donald Brown, the Colts' first round pick one year ago. Matthews has had some durability issues throughout his college career.

3. Jahvid Best, Cal, 5-10, 199: This speedy back can take it the distance. He also can have an immediate impact as a kick returner. Best is an elusive runner who avoids contact well. He has soft hands and will be a weapon on third down. His value between the tackles is questionable as he might not have the size to take an NFL beating as an every down back. Staying healthy was an issue in college.

4. Ben Tate, Auburn, 5-11, 220: Tate has the size and power to run inside, and the speed to run outside. His toughness enables him to break tackles. His burst is average. Tate also has good hands. He helped himself during Senior Bowl week and helped himself again with an outstanding scouting combine (4.34 40 yard dash, 40 1/2 inch vertical jump). He does not play as fast as he ran, however. Tate could be a solid special teams contributor.

5. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech, 5-11, 229: This productive college back is big and physical and can get the tough yards. Dwyer may be a first and second down back only. His receiving skills are questionable. He didn't have a great workout at the combine (4.64 40-yard dash) and some scouts question his athleticism. Dwyer's initial quickness is lacking, but he builds up speed when he is allowed to. He doesn't move very well laterally. Dwyer played in a gimmicky offense last year and some his production may have been inflated as a result.

6. Toby Gerhart, Stanford, 6-0, 231: This productive back is a load to bring down and can break tackles. He is durable enough to carry the ball 25 times a game. He can catch the ball pretty well. Gerhart has top intangibles. He has nimble feet for his size, but he probably isn't a dynamic enough runner to make many big plays in the NFL.

7. Joe McKnight, USC, 5-11, 198: This is Reggie Bush light. McKnight is very athletic and has great cutting ability. He will cause problems for defenses because very few defenders can match up with his quickness. McKnight can be a weapon in the passing game and on special teams. He probably lacks the power to be an every-down back.

8. Montario Hardesty, Tennessee, 5-11, 225: He came on strong during 2009. Before that he had a hard time staying healthy and he already has had three knee surgeries. Hardesty has enough size, speed, athleticism and instincts to be considered above average in all areas, but he does not have one trait that stands out. He has the potential to develop into a steady workhorse type. He runs hard and does not go down easily. Hardesty is a leader.

9. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State, 6-0, 223: His stock has risen since his impressive Senior Bowl performance. A power runner who can move the pile, Dixon has subtle speed. He has some receiving skills as well. He raised some concerns with a DUI.

10. Deji Karim, Southern Illinois, 5-9, 209: He was not invited to the combine, but he had a phenomenal workout at the pro day at Northwestern. Karim is a short, compact back who can make tacklers miss. His burst and acceleration are excellent, and he can make big plays. He was very productive in college and his stock has been on the rise. He also can return kicks. He has not played against top competition and may be a little raw in terms of receiving skills and pass protection.

11. James Starks, Buffalo, 6-2, 218: His run instincts are questionable, but he flashes speed and power. He cuts well and can be difficult to tackle. He had a productive junior year, but was prevented from playing as a senior because of a shoulder injury.

12. Lonyae Miller, Fresno State, 5-11, 221: His resume is limited because he played behind Ryan Matthews. But he showed excellent athleticism in workouts and could be drafted higher than his production would suggest. He has size, speed and balance. Miller can peel off long runs. Miller also was impressive in the Senior Bowl. Some scouts question his instincts and vision.

13. Chris Brown, Oklahoma, 5-10, 210: He has shown the ability to produce when given the chance. Brown is a little limited in terms of athleticism and speed, but he seems to have a feel for running and could improve as he matures physically.

14. Joique Bell, Wayne State, 5-11, 220: He has exposed himself with substandard workouts, both at the combine and at his pro day. But Bell does have some size and vision. He was very productive at the Division II level, but he could struggle adjusting in the NFL.

15. Charles Scott, Louisiana State, 5-11, 238: This is a huge back with decent straight-line speed once he gets going. His lateral quickness is just so-so, and he does not have great burst. Scott can run with power. He played better as a junior than as a senior, when his season was cut short by a broken clavicle.

16. LeGarrette Blount, Oregon, 6-0, 241: Blount makes his living between the tackles and he can run over defenders in the open field. He is a downhill runner who lacks ideal speed, but does have quick feet. His 4.70 40-yard dash at the combine did not help his cause. Nor did his weight control issue, his conformity issues and his sucker punch during a game, which got him suspended for his senior season. He also is an inconsistent runner whose effort seems to run hot and cold. Blount has the body and ability to be an NFL player, but he has a lot of baggage.

17. Brandon Minor, Michigan, 6-0, 214: This physical runner can make some hay going downhill, but he takes some big hits because he isn't very elusive. He was a very productive college player until his career ended with a shoulder injury. He has some potential as a special teams player and has been a return man.

18. Keiland Williams, Louisiana State, 5-11, 233: He played behind Charles Scott but is an intriguing blend of size and speed. Williams can break tackles. Scouts question his vision.

19. Andre Dixon, Connecticut, 6-0, 233: He brings a combination of run skills, receiving ability and blocking prowess. Dixon does not have elite size, burst, power or speed, however. He could find a role as a third down back in the NFL.

20. Pat Paschall, North Dakota State, 5-11, 209: Paschall was a productive back against a lower level of competition. He doesn't have top vision or speed, but he seems to get the job done. He has had some off-the-field issues.

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