Steelers GM Kevin Colbert offers mixed messages about running back position

Colbert on the RB position and James Conner: "We’re confident he will be prepared physically to face that challenge. That won’t be a question. It’s our job to make sure we have options and alternatives and competition. That will be what we’ll be working on." #Steelers #dkps

— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) March 31, 2020

On a recent conference call, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert spoke about the state of the Steelers running back position and specifically James Conner. And to be completely honest, it doesn’t dissuade anyone from believing the Steelers plan to add a running back in the draft.

Despite the fact that Colbert said the team anticipates Conner to be prepared for the start of the season but they want to make sure there is competition at the position. You could infer Colbert meant the other top running backs on the roster aren’t enough.

As of now, the most realistic options to supplant Conner are Benny Snell Jr. and Jaylen Samuels. But neither player truly stepped up when Conner went down for injury last season.

The 2020 running back class is solid and there is starting talent to be had in the middle rounds. With Pittsburgh filling most of their primary needs via free agency, don’t be shocked if they don’t look at a running back early if a top prospect falls.