2017 NFL Draft: Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers class
![Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) leaves the field after defeating the Syracuse Orange at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) leaves the field after defeating the Syracuse Orange at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3233771163c6e49e971aa89bbfe12639b259b931556fcddf4f082e2ea33353d4.jpg)
This was maybe the Steelers’ most popular pick in the draft. The depth at running back behind Le’Veon Bell is extremely thin. With Bell’s inability to stay on the field, an upgrade behind him was seen as a definite possibility coming into the draft. But I personally didn’t expect to see the Steelers take a running back so early.
James Conner is known for his inspirational story coming out of Pittsburgh. But the Steelers didn’t select him here as some kind of sentimental hometown pick. Conner actually pairs perfectly with Bell’s style of running. While Bell makes defenders miss with his patience and agility, Conner runs over defenders with a smash mouth style reminiscent of legendary Steeler running backs before him.
Expect him to step right into the backup role in place of Deangelo Williams and Fitzgerald Toussaint. Conner can help immensely in short yardage situations and to give Bell a breather. He seems to be more than just insurance for Bell, hopefully the running back can develop into a piece that can give Bell a break every once in awhile and keep Bell healthy.
Despite being the perfect compliment to Bell in terms of power and ability, this pick still seemed like a bit of a reach with more pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball.