From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#9 Travis Etienne/RB Clemson – 5’10 205
The Good
– Explosive runner, great burst and acceleration, home-run hitter when he gets into space
– Gets up to top gear in a hurry
– Speed to win the edge, asset on outside zones, able to beat DBs to the corner even when they have the angle
– Skinny through the hole to get into the second level
– Excellent body control and contact balance, able to stay on his feet and get YAC
– Shows good hands as a receiver, plucks away from frame and quick to the tuck post-catch
– Utilized quite a bit as a receiver, especially his final two seasons
– Willing pass protector who shows effort and willingness to sacrifice himself to make the block
– Extremely productive sophomore and junior seasons
– Tons of starting experience, was all-situations/three-down player
– Experience in kick return game
The Bad
– Looks smaller than listed frame, not tiny but slighter build
– Doesn’t play with much power, able to step out of low arm tackles but doesn’t create much of a push on higher-aimed tackles, leg drive is there but doesn’t push pile forward
– Often relied on/benefited from having huge runways in his offense, letting him work to 2nd level untouched
– Notably struggled more as a runner in 2020 games without Trevor Lawrence (2.