Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony McFarland Jr. a perfect change of pace back

The Pittsburgh Steelers find a perfect complement to their backfield mix with the addition of Anthony McFarland Jr.

Many expected the Pittsburgh Steelers to take a running back early in the 2020 NFL Draft. James Conner is currently the lead dog in the Steelers’ backfield, but he has struggled with injuries throughout his NFL career and is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Taking J.K. Dobbins or Cam Akers in the second round, giving them some long-term stability at the position, certainly would have made sense.

However, the Steelers did not address their running back need until the middle of the fourth round, when they took Anthony McFarland Jr., a dynamic running back prospect out of Maryland.

McFarland did not put up huge numbers in college, but he was an exciting playmaker for two years who could take it to the house from anywhere on the field. He is an incredibly quick and agile ball carrier who sets up defenders well and is naturally elusive in space.

McFarland also shows impressive ball carrier vision and has strong instincts with the ball in his hands. His overall skill-set will undoubtedly pair well with the rest of the Steelers’ running backs.

Perfect speed complement

If healthy, Conner will likely be the lead back for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. However, Benny Snell is probably not far behind him. Both players are talented, but their games are more based on power. McFarland has more power than you would expect in his 5-foot-8, 208-pound frame, but he is certainly more of a scatback who can create in space and win with explosive plays.

Having McFarland on the roster gives the Pittsburgh Steelers a running back who fits better in a zone system and a wide-open offensive attack. If they decide to spread the field with their impressive talent at the wide receiver position, McFarland is the perfect guy to put in the backfield and allow him to take advantage of that space.

In order to reach his ceiling at the next level, McFarland is going to have to become a more consistent weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. His receiving production was limited in college and if he is going to be able to see the field in spread situations, McFarland will have to prove himself as a receiver.

That being said, it is easy to look at this player and see how well he will fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers. McFarland is an ideal change of pace back for Mike Tomlin and company and if they decide that they want to spread the defense out more than usual, McFarland could quickly find himself in a major offensive role.