Packers vs. Steelers: Q&A with Nice Pick Cowher

Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back

. ©Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

5) In the second round of the 2013 Draft, the Steelers selected RB Le’Veon Bell over Packers RB Eddie Lacy. What are your thoughts on Bell’s performance this year? What does he still need to work on as a pro?

I hated the pick then and I am still not a fan of the pick now. Pittsburgh had entirely too many other pressing needs at that time to take a running back. Worst of all, they left a number of talented players at other positional groups (S, CB, ILB, TE, WR) at that point in the draft.

I will say that I like Bell’s pass-catching ability. He is adept at working out of the backfield on screens, catching passes in the slot and even has the ability to work outside the numbers. As far as his work in the ground game is concerned, I cannot say that I am all that pleased.

Granted, Pittsburgh’s offensive line has been far from healthy or effective this year. Yet that is no excuse for a starting running back to be averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Bell lacks the lateral agility and quickness to pick up larger chunks of yards on the ground, and his tentativeness when hitting holes reminds me of Rashard Mendenhall in a bad way.

Personally, I would not have selected either back since I was high on Andre Ellington out of Clemson and would have loved to see the Steelers upgrade their wide receiver corps or add a talented defensive back to the mix.