National Football League

Steelers draft Florida RB Chris Rainey

Published Apr. 28, 2012 4:20 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Florida running back Chris Rainey in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.

The Steelers took the 5-foot-8, 180-pound Rainey with the 159th overall pick and he could make an immediate impact as a special teams player.

Rainey has explosive speed and was a dual threat with the Gators, where he ran for 861 yards and two touchdowns as a senior. He also caught 31 passes for 381 yards and two scores.

Pittsburgh is looking for depth at running back. Starter Rashard Mendenhall tore the ACL in his right knee in the regular season finale against Cleveland and likely won't be back until the 2012 season is well underway.

Rainey will compete with Isaac Redman, Baron Batch and Jonathan Dwyer in training camp.