If there’s one thing that’s been lacking in Pittsburgh, it’s been the threat of a versatile and dynamic RB. Rashard Mendenhall may have 710 yards on the year and average 3.8 yards per carry, but that only comes out to just under 60 yards per game.
Now, Pittsburgh has become more of a passing team with Ben Roethlisberger under center. However, a multi-dimensional RB such as Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead would make them so much more dangerous.
Last season, Pead ran for over 1,000 yards and scored seven TDs. this year, he’s come onto the scene even more, with 1,110 rushing yards, 304 receiving yards on 36 receptions and 14 total TDs.
The Steelers could certainly improve on screens and draws, and could use a reliable check-down RB in the flat or across the middle. We know Ben Roethlisberger is arguably the best at buying time, and providing him with another reliable target would only help.
That would just add another dimension to the Steelers offense, which would open up more routes deep and underneath if Pead were used to draw up LBs and CBs from the outside.
2012 first round NFL Mock Draft
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stan.)
17. New York Jets: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Okla. St.)
18. Tennessee Titans: Jeff Fuller, WR (Tex. A&M)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, DB (LSU)
19. Chicago Bears: Nick Toon, WR (Wisc.)
4. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, QB (USC)
20. Cincinnati (From Oak): Jonathan Martin, OT (Stan.)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devon Still, DT (Penn St.)
21. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, G (Stan.)
6. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (ND)
22. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
7. Cleveland Browns: Alshon Jeffery, WR (S. Car.)
23. Cleveland (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
8. Arizona Cardinals: Trent Richardson, RB (Ala.)
24. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Neb.)
9. Seattle Seahawks: Robert Griffin, QB (Baylor)
25. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)
10. Washington Redskins: Montee Ball, RB (Wisc.)
26. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
11 .Philadelphia Eagles: Manti Te’o, LB (N.D.)
27. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy, DT (Mich. St.)
12. Carolina Panthers: Brandon Thompson, DT (Clem)
28. N.E. (From N.O.): Cam Johnson, DE (Virginia)
13. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Ala.)
29. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Ala.)
14. Kansas City Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Ala.)
30. San Francisco 49ers: Chase Minnifield, CB (UVA)
15. Buffalo Bills: Janoris Jenkins, CB (N. Ala.)
31. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly, LB (B.C.)
16. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio St.)
32. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (S. Car.)
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2012 NFL Mock Draft: 5 RBs Ready for Next-Level Leap