My Two Cents on the Baron Batch Injury and the Steelers’ Current Options to Replace Him

So, how do the Steelers fill out their roster at the RB position now that Batch is gone?  Well, to me there are only two logical choices: 2nd year man Jonathan Dwyer and Rookie UDFA John Clay.  I will provide a short section to discuss each prospects strengths and weaknesses, as well as discuss how Batch’s injury gives these guys a chance to showcase certain skills that they have which the Steelers are in need of entering 2011.

John Clay:

A few weeks ago I did a story on John Clay and the possibility of him making the roster/making an impact for the Steelers this season and in the future.  The link to the full article can be found here: http://nicepickcowher.com/2011/07/29/the-end-of-the-steelers-goal-line-rushing-woes-is-john-clay-a-future-diamond-in-the-rough/.  For the purpose of brevity I will only discuss the highlights and describe what skills Clay can bring to the Steelers.  At 6’1″ and 245 lbs., Clay brings immense size and three years worth of experience pounding the rock of Wisconsin to the Steelers’ backfield.  Clay rushed for over 1,000 yards each of his three seasons at UW, and was The Big Ten Offensive Player of The Year in 2009.  He had an MCL injury in a 2010 season that saw him miss three games, but he still rushed for over 1,000 yards while sharing time with two other fantastic runners in Montee Ball and James White.  One large reason that Clay slipped out of The Draft was most likely his Combine that saw him put a poor 40 yard dash time and saw Clay play uncomfortably at a smaller weight (around 230 lbs.).  Regardless, Clay now has his chance in the preseason to establish himself as the “big back” and try to get some reps. in the Goal Line packages and prove to the coaches that he is worth keeping.  In addition, some solid play on Special Teams can only help his cause and could inevitably be a factor in keeping him over Dwyer.

Jonathan Dwyer:

After having some success at the end of the 2010 preseason and having limited playing action in 2010, it’s put-up or shut-up time for Jonathan Dwyer.  Having slipped in The 2010 Draft due to weight concerns, speed issues, and the fact that he played in a goofy Triple Option running scheme, Dwyer needs to prove that he has not only adjusted to a traditional running attack, but can also pound the rock near the Goal Line to make this team.  Thus in year two,  Dwyer will need to illustrate to the coaches that he can use his 5’11” 230 lb. frame effectively inside the 10 yard line as well as make contributions on Special Teams to stay.  Otherwise, it will be curtains for Mr. Dwyer.

Final Analysis II:

Honestly, I’m glad it’s coming down to these two guys.  In my opinion, the Steelers didn’t need another 3rd Down Back in the form of Baron Batch heading into 2011.  They did however need a power guy that can get tough yardage and give the Steelers offense a dimension that they have been lacking for a long time.  Whether these prospects goes the way of Isaac Redman or the way of Frank Summers remains to be seen.  Either way, the injury to Batch should give both of these guys a shot at sticking on the roster and making contributions.  Hopefully, one of these guys could solve the short yardage running game woes, because that is an area that needs shoring up in 2011.