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The Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking hard at offensive play makers during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in hopes of landing some of those players in the upcoming NFL Draft. The team has already met with two offensive players (see the full list of meetings HERE), and you can now add a third to the list.
On Wednesday it was reported by Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review the team has met with Florida State running back Cam Akers.
Asked a bunch of the top-rated RBs here at the NFL Combine whether they had meetings with the Steelers, only one that said he had a formal interview set up was Florida STATE's Cam Akers.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) February 26, 2020
For those who don’t know, the Steelers will meet with a lot of players of all different positions and skill sets at the combine, but you can get a glimpse of what positions they are doing their diligence on throughout the process.
Akers is a bigger running back who is known for his power more than his speed and agility. At the same time you have to wonder how the poor offensive line play at Florida State potentially hindered his overall ability to make plays.
For a more in-depth review on Akers, here is part of his bio from the Draft Network:
BEST TRAIT - Size, Power, Athleticism
WORST TRAIT - Pass Pro
RED FLAGS - None
NFL COMP - Mark Ingram
When it comes to physical ability, Akers has everything an NFL team could want in a running back. Unfortunately, those traits weren’t able to be fully deployed behind an erratic offensive line at Florida State and a poorly designed scheme from Willie Taggart. While Akers has an extremely high ceiling, some patience may be required as he evolves in a better situation to showcase his talent. In addition, Akers has to develop his passing down skill set. Akers has no physical limitations and he profiles as a productive starter in time.
Steelers fans want the team to look into drafting a running back who can play now, it doesn’t seem Akers fits this mold. However, if they are looking to draft a player for the future, and possibly after James Conner’s time in Pittsburgh might have ended, Akers might be a pick for them.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the team at the Combine, as well as the entire offseason as the team prepares for the start of NFL Free Agency and the NFL Draft.