Steelers draft RB Chris Rainey in 5th round
The Steelers haven’t had a true “burner” in their backfield since Willie Parker wore black and gold. That is until now.
With their 5th round draft pick, the Steelers selected Chris Rainey, a running back out of Florida. Rainey is a burner. But unlike Mike Wallace, Chris Rainey has stop and go speed. He has amazing acceleration, and he can make ankle breaking cuts. To demonstrate just how quickly he can accelerate, he recorded the fastest time in the 10 yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also recorded the fastest time in the 20-yard short shuttle, demonstrating his ability to change directions quickly and still maintain high speed.
Rainey was used in a variety of ways at Florida. He was used as a traditional running back. He also has soft hands, and catches the ball well out of the backfield. He even lined up at wide receiver at times. And he was used as a kick returner.
Rainey will definitely challenge Baron Batch for 3rd down duties. His hands are just as good as Batch’s, but he’s much faster.
People have come to think of the Steelers as a power running team. But with Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown spreading the defense, and Chris Rainey adding speed in the backfield, the Steelers have the potential to have one of the fastest offenses in the NFL.
Chris Rainey
But of course, Rainey’s not perfect. He’s small (5’8″, 180 lbs.), and won’t be able to take a pounding. So he’s a part-time player at best. He’ll be almost useless running between the tackles. But of course, the Steelers have Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman, Jonathan Dwyer, and John Clay to do that.
He’s also not much of a blocker. At his size, he won’t provide much of an obstacle to a linebacker whose trying to get to the quarterback. In fact, the Steelers may have to excuse him from their famous “Backs on backers” drills during training camp. James Harrison may squash Rainey like a bug.
He also has a history of injuries dating all the way back to high school. He’s had repeated problems with his shoulder, and has had surgery on it. But his legs are fine, and that’s his greatest weapon.
Perhaps the biggest concern about Rainey is his character. He was charged with a felony for stalking his girlfriend in in 2010, and he was temporarily suspended from the team. Charges were later dropped after he completed a pre-trial intervention program.
The Steelers obviously thought that Rainey’s problems were behind him, and decided to draft him. That’s good enough for me.
Welcome to Pittsburgh kid. I think your speed is going to be exciting to watch.
Can’t really say much as I’ve seen only a bit of this kid but reading about him reminds me of Eric Metcalf.
1Hmm. Perhaps they see Antonio Brown having a greater role in the offense with Wallace threatening to hold out, and thus having a diminished role on special teams. Rainey would be a beastly return man.
2Unless he’s the second coming of devin Hester this was a waste of a pick. All he will be able to do is KR/PR. He can’t block so he can’t be the 3rd down back and he can’t tackle – so he can’t be on the coverage team. Can anyone say Stefan Logan.
Logan was a nice returner but a liability elsewhere. Unless your in the Hester class, most teams can’t afford to keep someone as just a KR/PR. Especially using a 5th round pick
3I like HP’s Eric Metcalf comparison. Very appropriate.
I think that a lot will depend on how Baron Batch recovers from his injury. Batch was penciled in as the 3rd down back, but Rainey should battle him for that role.
Rainey can’t block, but he has more speed and elusiveness than Batch once he gets the ball.
I also agree with Dan. Antonio Brown was the team’s MVP last year. It may be wise to remove him from return duties. So Rainey may be the guy who will take on that responsibility.
We’ll all just have to wait and see what the coaches have in mind.
4You have to think all the RB are feeling pretty darn good.
5Ben must be in hog heaven!
@John especially – Don’t forget we have a new OC. Obviously, Rainey doesn’t have the bulk to fill any conventional offensive roles other than returner. Neither does a guy named Dexter McCluster, who at 170lbs produced 844yds on 46 receptions and 114 carries, with 2 TD’s, under Haley with the Chiefs overall miserable offense last year.
Look for Rainey in multiple back and spread formations giving DC’s headaches as they recognize that they can’t allow him to catch the ball uncovered in the flat, and even when they put a LB on him he’s probably going to just run right by him. This will keep defenses from pass rushing as aggressively as well as from sitting back and preventing the deep pass. Haley did it successfully in KC, and now he’s got the guy to do it here.
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