The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team known for its strong, physical brand of football, have scheduled a formal meeting with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, as reported by Ryan Fowler. This development has piqued the interest of both fans and analysts, as it hints at the Steelers’ potential interest in adding a dynamic running back to their offense through the upcoming NFL Draft. With a storied history of powerful, hard-nosed running games, the Steelers have consistently relied on their ability to run the football to control the clock, wear down opposing defenses, and set up their passing attack. In this context, the prospect of adding a player like Jeanty, who possesses both speed and versatility, could significantly alter the makeup of their backfield for the better.
Who is Ashton Jeanty?
Ashton Jeanty is a running back who has demonstrated outstanding ability and vision during his tenure at Boise State University. Over the course of his college career, Jeanty became one of the most productive and versatile running backs in the Mountain West Conference. His unique combination of agility, burst, and ability to contribute in both the running and passing games has drawn the attention of NFL scouts.
Jeanty’s college career includes impressive statistics, and his ability to consistently break off big runs has earned him praise from coaches, analysts, and fans alike. He finished his college career with more than 2,000 rushing yards, proving to be a consistent and reliable option for the Boise State offense. What stands out about Jeanty, however, is his versatility. He isn’t just a between-the-tackles runner, but someone who can be used in a variety of roles. Whether it’s lining up as a receiving back out of the backfield or taking on a key role in short-yardage situations, Jeanty’s diverse skill set makes him an intriguing option for any NFL team in need of a well-rounded running back.
One of Jeanty’s standout qualities is his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His agility and balance allow him to evade tacklers with ease, turning what would be minimal gains into substantial chunk yardage. His vision is also a key asset, as he consistently displays the ability to read the defense and pick his way through holes with precision. This vision, combined with his burst, makes him a threat to break a long run every time he touches the ball.
Another area in which Jeanty excels is his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He isn’t simply a “three-down back” in the traditional sense—he’s a multifaceted weapon who can be utilized in the passing game as a safety valve or even as a primary option in certain passing schemes. This flexibility is highly valuable in the modern NFL, where running backs are often expected to be able to contribute in both the running and passing game.
Why Are the Steelers Interested in Ashton Jeanty?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to success when it comes to their running game. Over the years, they have built an identity around physicality and the ability to dominate on the ground. From Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis to Le’Veon Bell and Najee Harris, the Steelers have always had a strong tradition at the running back position. However, over the past couple of seasons, there has been a noticeable shift in the league-wide trend toward pass-catching running backs, and the Steelers have recognized the importance of adding such a player to their roster.
Najee Harris, the current starting running back for the Steelers, is undoubtedly a talented player. However, he has often found himself battling for consistency in recent years, particularly with an offensive line that has struggled at times to create running lanes. While Harris is known for his size and ability to break tackles, his skill set does not lend itself to the same level of versatility that someone like Jeanty offers. Jeanty’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass games would complement Harris’ more traditional running style, giving the Steelers a well-rounded duo in the backfield.
In addition to Harris, the Steelers have also struggled to find a reliable backup option behind him. A player like Jeanty, who could come in and provide an immediate spark in certain situations, would give Pittsburgh more flexibility in its offensive game plan. The ability to rotate backs based on game situations could help keep the offense fresh and increase its overall effectiveness.
What Could Jeanty Bring to the Steelers’ Offense?
Adding a player like Ashton Jeanty to the Steelers’ roster could immediately benefit the team in several key areas. The Steelers have long been known for their ability to control the clock with a physical, ground-and-pound style of play, and Jeanty could complement that approach perfectly.
First and foremost, Jeanty’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field could add a new dimension to the Steelers’ offense. When a running back is capable of breaking free for a big gain, it forces opposing defenses to account for that threat on every play. This added level of unpredictability would help the Steelers in the passing game as well, as opposing defenses would need to commit more players to the box to prevent big gains on the ground, opening up passing lanes for the Steelers’ quarterbacks.
Jeanty’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield is another area where the Steelers would benefit. In recent years, the Steelers have relied more on quick, short throws to move the ball down the field, especially with young quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett at the helm. Having a running back who can be a reliable option as a pass-catcher out of the backfield would only serve to diversify the offense and make it more difficult for defenses to key in on specific players or strategies.
Another advantage of Jeanty is his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Throughout his college career, he demonstrated a calm, focused demeanor when it came to making key plays, particularly in critical moments of games. The ability to perform in clutch situations is a highly valued trait in the NFL, especially when a team is facing tough opponents or in late-game situations.
Finally, Jeanty could provide the Steelers with a high-quality backup running back option who could step in and contribute immediately if needed. Injuries are a common occurrence in the NFL, and having a reliable second option at running back is crucial for teams hoping to make a deep playoff run. Jeanty’s skill set would make him a valuable asset in a rotational role, allowing the Steelers to keep their primary backs fresh over the course of a long season.
How Does Jeanty Fit into the Steelers’ Long-Term Plans?
The addition of Ashton Jeanty could fit into the Steelers’ long-term plans by providing them with a versatile and capable back who could grow into a primary contributor over time. While Najee Harris is likely the starter in the short term, Jeanty could evolve into a key piece of the Steelers’ offense as he gains more experience and develops chemistry with the offensive line and quarterbacks. Over the next few seasons, as the Steelers continue to build around their young quarterback, having a complementary back like Jeanty would allow them to maintain balance and unpredictability in their attack.
Furthermore, the Steelers have an eye on sustainability and building for the future. As the team moves toward more of a balanced offensive attack, having multiple options in the backfield gives the coaching staff flexibility when creating game plans. The ability to tailor the game plan based on the opponent and game situation is invaluable in a league where matchups can often dictate success.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ formal meeting with Ashton Jeanty is a significant indication of their interest in improving their running back situation and adding more depth and versatility to their offense. With Jeanty’s unique blend of agility, vision, and pass-catching ability, he would be a welcome addition to a team that prides itself on physicality and balance. Whether used as a complement to Najee Harris or as a contributor in his own right, Jeanty’s skill set makes him an exciting prospect for the Steelers as they look to build a more dynamic and unpredictable offense for the future. As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Steelers decide to pull the trigger and add this talented running back to their roster.
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