(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The North Carolina pro day is going on now and a lot of eyes are on the running back duo of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter. Williams reportedly ran an unofficial 4.58 in the 40-yard dash and Carter ran a 4.55 at the pro day. It's unclear as of right now whether Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert are in Chapel Hill.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com released his latest top 50 prospects in this year's draft today and he had Williams ranked as his 26th prospect, which is up six spots from before on his rankings.
"Williams is a thick, compact running back with outstanding vision, power and quickness," Jeremiah wrote. "He is quick to find/attack the hole with a bounce in his step on inside runs. He has tremendous lateral quickness to make defenders miss in tight quarters. He runs with a low pad level and accelerates through contact. Williams has the burst to get the edge on outside runs and he's elusive once he gets into the open field. He is effective as a checkdown option in the passing game and flashes some route polish on angle routes in the middle of the field. He has reliable hands, although you will see some double catches. He is aware in pass protection and can squat and absorb blitzers. Overall, Williams is a complete player and could emerge as the best running back in the 2021 class."
Jeremiah still has Najee Harris of Alabama ranked as his No. 1 running back in this year's draft and the 21st overall prospect.
"Harris is a big, smooth running back who posted outstanding production during his Alabama career," Jeremiah wrote. "He is very patient to let holes develop before sliding through the line of scrimmage on inside runs. He has tremendous contact balance, routinely absorbing a hit and finishing runs. He doesn't have the juice to really stretch to the boundary on outside runs, preferring to quickly get his shoulders squared and turn upfield. He is sneaky elusive in space, though, and can drop his shoulder to run through tacklers. He's an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield. He runs clean routes and has the ability to high-point the ball down the field. He's aware and dependable in pass protection. Overall, Harris isn't a home run hitter, but he's a very skilled runner with excellent value in the passing game. I see similarities to former Chicago Bears star Matt Forte when he was coming out of college."
The Steelers need to select a true bell-cow running back in this year's draft, as their running game was just abysmal last year. Ranking dead last in rushing yards per game (84.4) and yards per carry (3.6). The offensive line play was subpar as well, but a running back like Williams or Harris would instantly ignite the Steelers' rushing attack.
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