Buffaloes RB Travon McMillian signs with Pittsburgh Steelers as undrafted free agent

Hours after the 2019 NFL Draft ended, Colorado Buffaloes running back Travon McMillian signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A grad transfer from Virginia Tech, McMillian finished his lone season in Boulder with 201 carries for 1,009 yards and seven touchdowns. He also hauled in 14 passes for 118 yards and a score. He also showed terrific big play capability as he repeated busted long gains. He has a good blend of speed and power that should translate to the NFL.

“Blessed to be given the opportunity to join the Steelers organization!” McMillian reacted via Twitter. “Thankful for the chance to glorify God with my talents at the next level.”

McMillian will have some stiff competition when he arrives in the Steel City. Despite losing LeVon Bell to the New York Jets, the Steelers are deep at running back. James Conner rushed for 973 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 13 games last season; and Jaylen Samuels, a rookie from North Carolina State in 2018, added 256 yards on the ground, which included a 142-yard performance against the eventual Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots in Week 15. McMillian will also have to compete with Benny Snell, the former Kentucky running back the Steelers drafted in the fourth round (122nd overall) on Sunday.

But if we learned anything from last season, it’s never count out an undrafted Buffaloes running back. Phillip Lindsay went undrafted in 2018, but was quickly picked up by his hometown Denver Broncos. He went on to rush for over 1,000-yards and become the first undrafted offensive player in NFL history to be named to the Pro Bowl.

Congrats Travon! Best of luck in Pittsburgh!