The Pittsburgh Steelers have left little doubt about making running back a position of need this offseason, bringing bigger-name free agents like Maurice Jones-Drew and LaGarrett Blount in for workouts.
Now it looks like their interest in adding a back will extend to the draft
Baylor running back Lache Seastrunk told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram he has pre-draft visits set up with the Steelers, as well as the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills, who signed former 49ers running back Anthony Dixon to a three-year contract last week, have two running backs -- C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson --- entering contract years.
Seastrunk was asked about his NFL future by the Star-Telegram.
"I don't want to put anything out there," Seastrunk said. "I just want to go in there and play to the best of my ability. You guys want me to say like I'm going to be the best player to ever play in the NFL, huh? I haven't even (played) in the NFL. I'm just going to earn my job and earn my keep. That's it."
Seastrunk had promised a sub-4.3 clocking in the 40-yard dash at last month's NFL Scouting Combine, but he managed just a 4.51 in Indianapolis. He improved that at Baylor's pro day earlier this month, being clocked in official times of 4.37 and 4.48.
Seastrunk led Baylor with 1,177 yards rushing and added 11 rushing touchdowns in 2013 while sharing carries in the Bears' three-tailback system. Seastrunk battled a groin injury in 2013, missing two games and being hampered in another.
His speed and elusiveness make him a big-play threat, which in turn makes him an intriguing prospect. But some scouts question his patience, as he often is guilty of trying to make a big play rather than just taking what he can get. In addition, his receiving ability (he had zero receptions in 2013 after just nine in '12) and blocking are questionable.
Given the jumbled nature of the rankings at running back, he has a shot at being one of the first five backs off the board -- but that might mean being drafted in the third round or even later.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
