Most NFL teams have four running backs on their active, regular-season rosters–three halfbacks and a fullback. With nine runners on their 90-man roster, the Pittsburgh Steelers have decisions to make.
Pittsburgh’s 90-man roster includes two fullbacks and seven halfbacks. The big questions, then, are: Who will be cut? Who will move to the practice squad? Who will make the 53-man roster?
Fullback
Courtesy: Steelers Wire
On the fullback side of the equation, Derek Watt was acquired recently from the San Diego Chargers. Auburn’s Spencer Nigh was added as an undrafted free agent.
So who will win out?
The situation favors Watt, who signed a 3-year, 9.75-million-dollar contract. But there’s a hitch. While Watt is a seasoned veteran with four years of experience, he isn’t a blockbuster when it comes to the running game. Watt makes up for that limitation by being an excellent special teamer and pass-catcher. Watt has another thing going for him: he produces at a position that’s becoming increasingly obsolete.
What about Nigh? With luck, he may make the practice squad.
Halfback
The running back situation represents a more complicated and difficult decision in Steeltown. In the mix are James Conner, Trey Edmunds, Anthony McFarland Jr., Jaylen Samuels, Benny Snell Jr., Ralph Webb, and Kerrith Whyte.
Well, it’s really a six-man elimination list because James Conner will be the Steelers’ Week 1 starter. Yes, the former Pro-Bowler had an injury-plagued 2019, but, when healthy, Conner can be one of the NFL’s best running backs. Even while injured, Conner averaged 4-yards-a-carry last year, and also had a 90% catch percentage.
Benny Snell Jr. (photo, Behind the Steel Curtain)
To get this list down to five, I believe Benny Snell Jr. is all but guaranteed to be the #2 back. Snell averaged nearly four yards a carry as a rookie and became Conner’s bona fide replacement. Besides, Snell fits the Steelers’ scheme: he’s a power back who can run through D-lines, and the O-line won’t have to adjust when Snell enters games to replace Conner. Those are two big positives for Snell.
If my assessment is right (Conner as starter and Snell as back-up), then four players–Edmunds, McFarland, Samuels, and Whyte–will fight it out for the third and final spot.
I’ve removed Ralph Webb from the list for two reasons: he doesn’t have regular-season NFL experience, and he had a poor 2019 preseason with New England. But paring the list by one doesn’t make the final choice any easier. Here’s why.
Anthony McFarland, Jr. enters the preseason with potential, but without an NFL profile (he’s a 2020 draftee). But while McFarland’s NFL stats are still to be written, he performed well as a dual-threat RB for the Maryland Terrapins (5.4 yards-per-carry/7.4 yards per catch in 2019).
Although Trey Edmunds has NFL experience, he contributed modestly last year with 92 yards on 22 carries. He’s a power runner, just like Conner and Snell.
Jaylen Samuels also produced modestly when carrying the ball last year, averaging 2.65 yards-per-carry. But to compensate, Samuels had eye-pleasing receiving stats. In 2019, he caught 47 passes for 305 yards for an average of 6.5 yards-per-catch.
Kerrith Whyte, a speed back (4.36 at the Combine), ran for 122 yards/24 attempts (5-yards-per-carry) last year. He was a solid Special Teams performer, too, running back 14 kicks for 264 yards.
So how do I evaluate the chances of these four?
–I think Edmunds will make the practice squad at best. A big reason is that the Steelers need speed, not another power back, to expand the team’s backfield repertoire. Edmunds only chance of moving up is if Conner and/or Snell gets injured. But before that’s even possible, just to make the practice squad, Edmunds will need to impress during preseason play.
—Samuels’ forte–pass-catching–enhances Steelers’ prospects when it comes to converting on 3rd downs. But with Conner back on the field, it’s questionable whether the Steelers will keep a one-dimensional RB on their 53-man roster.
A.J. at the Combine (photo, Pittsburgh Steelers)
–-McFarland Jr., a speed-burner, ran a 4.34.40 at the Combine. And there’s another thing in his favor–something that has nothing to do with his skill-set per se. With pro running backs available galore, the NFL has a penchant for going with young and relatively inexpensive players over similarly profiled and more expensive veteran players.
–Although Whyte is known for his speed, the rookie McFarland is faster, and another rival, Samuels, is an also-reliable pass-catcher. A practice squad spot seems likely.
Where do I think things will settle in Western PA? Here’s how I see it.
53-Man Roster: Conner, Snell Jr., McFarland Jr. and Watt (FB)
Practice Squad: Samuels, Whyte
Cut: Webb, Edmunds, Nigh.
No matter how these decisions play out, there will be a lot to keep an eye on as the preseason unfolds, and final roster cuts are made.
