Explosive RB Could be Perfect Target for Steelers in NFL Draft
The Steelers have some questions at their third running back spot, and one running back makes sense in the NFL Draft.
FRISCO, Texas — The Steelers have a dynamic duo at running back in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Not only did those two become one of the most dynamic duos in the NFL, but they were ironmen who did not get injured. The two of them with five years of experience have missed just one combined game with injury.
So, the Steelers do not have a massive need for a running back, but they have enough of a need for me to care a little about it in this NFL Draft class. Anthony McFarland seems out the door for good, and Godwin Igwebuike could return. The team has Aaron Shampklin on the 90-man roster, too. But Isaac Guerendo is one of those guys who makes a ton of sense for this team. Let me try to break down my argument twofold.
Coming out of Louisville and having played at Wisconsin for four seasons, Guerendo is the type of running back who fits the modern-day NFL. And to add to that, he has little mileage on his tires. He had just 231 carries throughout his college football career, and somehow proved to be electrifying enough to get legitimate looks, too. He views that as a positive.
“I definitely view that as a positive when you look at how many carries some other guys have,” Guerendo said. “I have those fresher legs, and you do think about the number of hits you have to take as a workhorse back. As a running back, we know usually only one of us is out there. So, for me, I have less wear and tear on my body. I feel that’s an advantage.”
For one, he’s an ideal zone running back, but he has the quickness and explosiveness to work in any scheme. He fits those Kyle Shanahan offshoot schemes like a glove, and I think the Steelers could use someone with that type of homerun speed in the backfield. At practice, Guerendo has great acceleration to bust angles. But he is 220 pounds. In some ways, he really does play like Jaylen Warren because he brings that physicality. And Guerendo has seen Warren’s game.
“I love how decisive he is as a runner,” Guerendo said of Warren. “The way he hits holes and the physicality he plays with stand out. But it’s how he sets up those defenders, makes those decisive cuts, and breaks angles that stick out to me about him as a player.”
Guerendo loves those Shanahan schemes. But don’t look at him and think he is just a third running back who hits the occasional home run. When tasked with the chance to make those plays, Guerendo went off. Against Virginia Tech, he had just 11 carries but three touchdowns. When he got the chance against USC, he went off in an extended workload. But the other wrinkle to all of this? He has a return ability.
That comes ast the added cherry on top bonus. Guerendo is a dynamic kick returner. He has never done punt returning but can play basic specials teams, too. Keep an eye on him. He started out in Wisconsin before heading to Louisville, and the tread on his tires is little to none. If Pittsburgh wants an all-around, do-it-all kind of running back with special teams value, Guerendo makes a lot of sense. And it appears they are interested in him.
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