Draft Profile: Bhayshul Tuten
Running Back, Virginia Tech
5’9, 205 lbs.
Projected: Round 5-6
The Steelers spent their first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Najee Harris, and at the time received some criticism. Some draft analysts these days believe that drafting a running back in round one is a cardinal sin. While the case can be made for running backs who are special talents- see Barkley, Saquon– as a general rule of thumb this can be considered a true statement.
Running backs can usually come in and start right away; but they also tend to have a short shelf life. Unlike a lot of other positions where there is a lot to learn, running backs can get by on their athleticism early. Especially considering most NFL teams these days utilize the running back by committee approach. Every-down backs are few and far between anymore. Because of these reasons other positions are often considered more important resulting in running backs not being selected as high as they once were. The passing game has also become much more affluent due to today’s rules.
When the Steelers chose not to pick up Harris’ fifth year option, it became apparent that they would move on. While Najee was very durable, the biggest knock on him was his ability to pick up yards in chunks. He always ran hard, but the Steelers were looking for more explosive plays from their backfield. The Steelers recently has a top 30 visit with this year’s fastest running back (4.32 40 Yard Dash); Virginia Tech’s own Bhayshul Tuten.
Strengths:
Tuten has rare speed and acceleration for the position. He also has kick return experience which improves his value. Tuten has a solid build which he uses to break through arm tackles and fall forward through contact. Tuten is a very good outside runner and can get there in a hurry. So yes, he can be used in toss plays which we know Arthur Smith loves. His combine numbers were outstanding: 4.32 40, Vertical 40.5, and had a 10’10 broad. This speaks to his explosiveness and home-run threat potential.
Weaknesses:
Bhayshul Tuten’s main concerns are his drops and fumbles. He tends to not brace properly for contact and takes too many big hits. Tuten is scrappy in pass protection but he needs to refine his technique. Patience in letting running lanes develop is lacking. Tuten seems to have a limited route tree and the extent he can be used in the passing game is a question mark. Can he be “the guy” or will he just be a good change of pace back? Tuten is a straight-line runner and does not display much lateral agility.
How he fits:
If the Steelers are looking for an explosive back, Tuten is a great fit. Give him a little daylight and he can take it to the house. He’ll also provide value in the return game. To me, Bhayshul Tuten seems to be a boom or bust prospect. He has breakaway speed, but he seems to lack fluidity in his game. The ball security issues are also a red flag. If Tuten can show that he has good hands and can run routes he could become a weapon as a third-down back. It is just too hard to tell from his tape and the way he was used at Virginia Tech.
Player Comp:
The player comp in my eyes is Raheem Mostert. Mostert has made a pretty good career for himself as a rotational back. He’s flashed the ability to make plays but has never really been the main guy. Anthony McFarland is another name that comes to mind, although Tuten is heavier and faster. Tuten seems like a player that would be a great fit for a team that needs help in the return game and maybe some spot starts because of injuries.
Conclusion:
The Steelers seem to have a running back room that needs a main character. Najee was supposed to be that guy, then became a 1A to Jaylen Warren’s 1B. A player that could come in and handle 70-75% of the workload would be ideal. I don’t see Bhayshul Tuten being that type of player, but maybe the Steelers see something that I don’t. He would surely provide a spark, which the run game has been lacking. The Steelers are interested otherwise they would not have scheduled a top 30 visit, so we will see in just a few short weeks how it all plays out!
