Guys, I think I found our RB

[wwhickok]

I wouldn't mind acquiring Barry Sanders Jr but that's a few seasons away

[lloydwoodson]

Originally Posted by SteelersCanada

Eddie is running behind the best offensive line in CFB. He's a good, not great, RB and he's already being outclassed by his true-Freshman RB teammate TJ Yeldon. I wouldn't mind taking Yeldon in the first round as soon as he becomes available.

In all honesty, I wouldn't be upset with Lacy in the second round, assuming he is our RB. That being said, I wouldn't be ecstatic, either. There's better, more elite prospects we could grab at that point and I think there's better RBs than him in the later rounds. Go look at Knile Davis in 2010 and tell me that guy isn't ridiculous.

TJ Yeldon did not ouclass Lacy. Lacy had more rushing yards, more touchdowns and a better YPC than Yeldon, as well as better receiving stats. Even though Yeldon runs behind the same amazing line you would take him in the first round but wouldn't want Lacy in the second?

[steelfury02]

reminds me too much of LenDale White - no thanks

[teegre]

Originally Posted by Quackjack

So now there seems to be several future RB's. Earlier I was labeled an Idiot for wanting to take a RB in Round 1 or 2.

R1: yes, we kept telling you that there wasn't a RB worthy of a R1 pick.

R2: we have always told you that there were RBs in R2.

There was a post where you said something like "Fine. R2." and I replied "Progress."

So, there is still no R1-worthy RB.

Also, when talking about Lattimore & Davis, notice the rounds suggested: 4 & 5.

Both were shoe-in R1 picks, who sustained major injuries... and could be "steals" in the later rounds (or complete busts). It's a calculated risk. But, again, we are not talking about R1 (or, with those two, not even R2 or R3).

[steelfury02]

the Steelers, and especially this upcoming season, could really benefit from someone different getting a healthy dose of touches - I really think that defenses not knowing this new person's tendencies could be a huge element of surprise for us

Remember some of the first times you saw Ray Rice? Not saying we'll have that kind of luck - but, having that new weapon that takes the pressure off of Ben would be enormous. Look at the type of leader Ray Rice is evolving into over there. He's the voice of that offense, even over Flacco IMO.

[SH-Rock]

Better to trade down this year. Lots of talent in the mid rounds, pretty stale in the first rounds. Plus with a pick at 17 we'd get more/better picks potentially.

[SteelersCanada]

Originally Posted by lloydwoodson

TJ Yeldon did not ouclass Lacy. Lacy had more rushing yards, more touchdowns and a better YPC than Yeldon, as well as better receiving stats. Even though Yeldon runs behind the same amazing line you would take him in the first round but wouldn't want Lacy in the second?

TJ Yeldon: Carries - 175 / Yards - 1108 / AVG - 6.3 / LNG - 43 / RTDs - 12

Eddie Lacy: Carries - 204 / Yards - 1322 / AVG - 6.5 / LNG - 73 / RTDs - 17

What jumps out at you there? Sure, Eddie Lacy has .2 higher YPC, but he also had 29 more carries which would translate into a higher chance of a big play. A 73 yard gallop, for example.

Here's the thing, though. TJ Yeldon is 19 years old and is a true freshman. His ceiling is higher and he has a much bigger potential. He can bounce it outside with better speed and more agility than Lacy can. Lacy is fast, but he doesn't have the same explosive play ability that Yeldon does. I think Lacy has already hit his ceiling and you're looking at what he's going to be in the NFL. There's not a ton of room to grow and on the flip side, Alabama has just tapped into the potential of Yeldon.

[bornaSteelersfan]

Guys, Lacy and Yeldon have the benefit of an excellent cohesive offensive line. If The Steelers had a line that could make their blocks that way, any RB would do well (yes, even Baron Batch). I really do not see any prospects in this draft as good as Mendy (assuming he holds on to the ball). There are draft picks better than our other RB's, though, if Mendenhall is gone.

[ZoneBlitzer]

Originally Posted by Quackjack

Eddie Lacy. RB for Alabama. Reminds me of Alfred Morris.

WANNNNNNT. NOOOOOOOW.

Sorry I just don't see the comparison btw Lacy and Morris.

Lacy is tall, has a large frame and runs high.

Morris is stout, has a lower center of gravity and is better at breaking tackles.

[Rick5895]

IMO our more pressing needs are at ILB or Safety. ( I think safety is a huge need right now with the age and wearing down of Troy and Ryan) Those need to be addressed. Do we need a "bell cow" RB, absolutely, but I beleive we can find that player later on. I would take a chance on Lattimore in round 4 or 5. This kid "wants it", I compare him to McGahee coming out of college. Terrible knee injury and McGahee has been a pretty damn good RB in the NFL.