By Jared Villani
SteelerNation.com
Although the Pittsburgh Steelers do not possess a first round draft pick, they could still find a great deal of value with the 49th overall pick by snagging Wisconsin's stud running back, Johnathan Taylor. The simple fact that Steelers current running back James Conner has had issues staying healthy over his three-year career is reason enough for Pittsburgh to take a long hard look at finding help at the position. The Steelers need to make the most out of what could be quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger's final season and surrounding him with as much talent as possible is in their best interest.
Taylor rushed for 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons with Wisconsin and notably rushed for more than 1,900 yards in each season of his college career. There is no doubt that James Conner has earned everything he has accomplished and deserves to be the starter as the 2020 season approaches, but his injury history is a major concern nonetheless.
Jaylen Samuels is a very talented and diverse running back with fantastic receiving skills, but not necessarily a three-down back. Taylor may not make an immediate impact in the Steelers offense, so this is a pick that comes down to whether or not Conner can remain healthy. Conner's injury history is a genuine concern going forward, but so is his eligibility to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021. Taylor may present too good of an opportunity for the Steelers to pass up so this year's draft will be very interesting once Pittsburgh is on the clock in the second round.
Jonathan Taylor: Most avoided tackles since 2018
(h/t @GeorgeBalekji)pic.twitter.com/WVVT5UJ08H
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) March 18, 2020
.@Ron33Dayne is FBS' all-time leading rusher (if you include bowl games).@JayT23 is the most prolific three-year RB.@MonteeBall28 & @melvingordon25 racked up some yards, too.
In other words, @BadgerFootball = RBU. pic.twitter.com/fSxtTVlf8Y
— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) April 15, 2020
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