Steelers Grab RB Baron Batch in 7th Round

[mesaSteeler]

Steelers Grab RB Baron Batch in 7th Round
Posted on April 30, 2011 by ryan
http://www.steelerslounge.com/2011/0...ron-batch-7th/

So it ends. The 2011 NFL Draft is over, the Steelers stayed put for every one of their selections, and wrapped it all up by taking Texas Tech RB Baron Batch 232nd overall.

Here’s Mike Mayock’s take:

“I’m so happy that young man got drafted. You want to talk about a kid who has had to deal with an awful lot off the field. To come back — not just off the field but on-the-field injuries — and what he’s gone through in his lifetime.

“I love where he ended up being drafted. The Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the best locker rooms in the league. … Baron’s coming out of a spread offense, this is a tough kid … and he just keeps coming back. The Pittsburgh Steelers love this kind of story, so I’m really excited for Baron Batch, and I’m really excited for what he can bring to the Steelers.”

Hadn’t previously heard of Batch but after hearing Mayock’s comments I was intrigued. And … well, wow. Here’s Batch’s story:

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S17t6-YQ7T0&feature=player_embedded[/YOUTUBE]

I hope Batch makes the team solely based on that video. As for the on-the-field stuff, Charles Davis offers this: “Swing him out of the backfield, [let him] catch the football — which he had to do an awful lot of in the spread offense — he also showed the ability to run it. But get him in space, and then he showed some toughness downfield. You noticed him finishing the run, not necessarily trying to evade all the contact.”

And now your obligatory highlight video:

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZpNXNhJNII&feature=player_embedded[/YOUTUBE]

[sexyllama]

Even better...

Here is our 7th round RB running down C. Brown from behind on his only INT. He doesn't get "The Burner" nickname.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/05...-curtis-brown/

[bornaSteelersfan]

WOW! This guy looks awesome! He has an amazing ability to see the holes immediately and hit them with great acceleration. I also love that he doesn't seem to hesitate. I have seen Mendy hesitate many times on run plays then the whole closes. Incredible pick in round 7.

[thumper]

Nice story and all, but I am curious why they draft a RB here. They
must not have much faith in Dwyer ending up a player. He also came
from a spread offense. If this kid made the team our RB would be.....

- Mendy
- Redman
- Batch
- Dwyer or who?

Is this kid to replace Moore?

[MasterOfPuppets]

and the ever important questions...can he play special teams ?, and can he block ?

[PhantomJB93]

I think he was drafted because of his skillset more than because we need another RB. Mendenhall is our fastest running back by far, and while he does have deceptive speed for a back with is build and playing style, the rest of our RB corps does not. Redman and Dwyer are both big, bruising backs who are rather slow. Batch may not be Chris Johnson but compared to Redman and Dwyer, he brings an element of speed and quickness which our corps lacks past Mendenhall. We needed a small, quick scatback like him.

Moore is gone, Batch is taking his place. I for one am totally cool with that, never was a big Moore fan.

[steeltheone]

Nice story but probably just a camp back...