Steelers Should Draft Clyde Edwards-Helaire as Potential James Conner Replacement

This year's NFL Draft class isn't particularly deep at running back, but that doesn't mean that teams couldn't secure some steals beyond the first round.

Former LSU star Clyde Edwards-Helaire fits that exact description, and there's one franchise that just seems like a perfect fit for the promising prospect: the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Among RBs, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the best route runner to come into league since Christian McCaffrey. CMC is a little more versatile, but few backs consistently create separation against LBs like Edwards-Helaire.
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) April 15, 2020

The Steelers have a sticky situation in regards to the future of James Conner, whose rookie contract is set to expire following the 2020 season. Conner will likely command big bucks on the open market, and taking his concerning injury history into consideration, Pittsburgh might decide to let him walk.

Perhaps more importantly is the fact that the Steelers only have $5.77 million in cap space, which ranks 27th in the NFL. General manager Kevin Colbert might be better off committing a future to defensive studs like TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, who will also be due for extensions, instead of an oft-injured RB.

That brings us to Edwards-Helaire, who thrives as a pass catcher. If we know one thing about Ben Roethlisberger -- and Pittsburgh's offense in general -- it's that it loves to target running backs in the passing game.

I see everyone FINALLY coming around on Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Welcome to the bandwagon, there’s plenty of room. We’ve been awaiting your arrival.
— Mike Tagliere (@MikeTagliereNFL) April 15, 2020

In the right system, the 21-year-old could also excel between the tackles at the pro level. Last season, Edwards-Helaire averaged 6.6 yards-per-carry behind LSU's monster offensive line. Led by All-Pro guard David DeCastro, the Steelers have one of the very best OL's in the league.

We're not crowning Edwards-Helaire as Conner's replacement just yet, but the former fan favorite in Baton Rouge would provide Pittsburgh with some much needed insurance as they continue to contemplate Conner's future.