Jonathan Dwyer

Dwyer led a muddled Steelers backfield in rushing in 2012 but only averaged 4.0 YPC. A downhill, bowling ball of a tailback at 5-11, 230, Dwyer had back-to-back 100-yard performances in Weeks 7 and 8 – each on 17 carries – to tease his potential before stumbling the remainder of the season. As a result, the Steelers drafted Le'Veon Bell and Dwyer was eventually cut by the team in August.

The third year runningback may finally get an oppotunity to play regularly in 2012, after carrying the ball just 25 times in his first two seasons with the Steelers. A "North - South" runner, Dwyer has the strength to wear down defenses while showing flashes of speed.

Dwyer's stock fell in the April draft and the Steelers are hoping they have a steal on their hands because of it. Concerns of his being a college-system back as well as reports of a failed drug test seemed to make teams re-think his value (the positive drug test turned out to be for a long-standing medical condition). However, the Steelers went with a low-risk move by taking him in the sixth round. Rashard Mendenhall is cemented in as the starter, so the team has time to get Dwyer acclimated to the pro game. He will battle Mewelde Moore for the backup position and is also up for consideration for the short-yardage role.