Pittsburgh Steelers: Mid-late-round targets in 2021 NFL Draft

Over the long history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, they have always seen to find value in the later rounds of the NFL Draft.

In the most recent Super Bowl eras for the Steelers they were able to unearth guys like Hines Ward who was drafted in the 3rd round, Ike Taylor selected in the 4th round, and Brett Keisel getting picked up in the 7th round of the draft.

The Steelers’ most obvious positional need is OL which will most likely be selected in the first or second round because the big boys upfront sells like hotcakes come draft night. Here are a couple of prospects that the Pittsburgh Steelers should target in the 2021 NFL Draft on late day two and all of day three.

Pittsburgh Steelers mid-late round targets: Javonte Williams, RB UNC

This past season for the Pittsburgh Steelers the team struggled heavily in the running game. It is a clear problem that needs to be fixed, especially if Ben Roethlisberger decides to come back and play next year.

Also, the Steelers’ lead horse last year, James Conner, is a free agent this offseason he could be out the door with declining production after Pro Bowl year and being injury prone. With running back an easily replaceable position in the NFL, the Steelers should target one on day two of the 2021 NFL Draft.

If production was the issue for the Steelers run game last year, Javonte Williams is the complete opposite of that this past college football season. Last season Williams rushed for 1,140 yards, had 19 touchdowns, and 7.3 yards per attempt.

Put into perspective that was with having another star running back next to him in Michael Carter who rushed for 1,245 yards in the same season with Williams also rushing for over 1,000 yards. Williams can be an every-down back in the league and has the physical traits to show for it.

Williams is an average sized back when it comes to height, standing at 5-foot 10, but he weighs around 220 pounds which is big for a guy his size. Some may think he is a power back, but Williams has fast, twitchy speed to get upfield. It also helps that he can lower his shoulder and run over smaller defenders in open space situations.

With his ability to get north to south and also being able to act as a dump truck and run guys over, he could be a solid feature back in the NFL.

Williams is a top-five back in the 2021 NFL Draft class and could rise if he wows people off the field at his Pro Day. With that being said, if Williams falls to the third round for the Pittsburgh Steelers that would be a nice value pick on day two. It also wouldn’t be a shock to see the Steelers trade up in the second round if they feel he won’t be available where they pick.