The Pittsburgh Steelers have been experimenting with linebacker, Sutton Smith, on the offensive side of the ball.
Sutton Smith was one of the most productive pass rushers college football has seen in a long time. But are the Steelers seriously considering having him play both ways?
Despite collecting 160 pressures over the past two seasons, Pittsburgh has apparently felt the need to experiment with the former high school running back on offense. Mark Kaboly, Aditi Kinkhabwala, and Mike Prisuta captured some video of Smith working with the Steelers offense during OTAs:
Steelers OLB Sutton Smith going through running back drills at Thursday’s OTA 6. @TheAthleticPGH pic.twitter.com/qmFJERIamQ
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 30, 2019
“I see you switch-hitting, 4-2.” - #Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin to rookie Sutton Smith, who was a college LB, a high school RB and may just be a two-way LB/FB in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/IFDzNwgcHT
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) May 30, 2019
OTA No. 6 included a non-pads version of Backs-on-‘Backers. Mike Tomlin took notice of, among others, RB Benny Snell Jr. and LB Sutton Smith (No. 42), who started working at FB as well as LB last week and continues to experiment as a two-position player. pic.twitter.com/wkTe4B2nCi
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) May 30, 2019
It’s not hard to take notice of Sutton Smith carrying the ball, as he’s the only offensive player sporting a yellow practice jersey. What is interesting though is trying to understand the reasoning behind it.
Smith was reportedly taking snaps at fullback, and was seen running the ball. Roosevelt Nix is locked up under a relatively cheap deal for the next four seasons. If it’s running back they are testing him at, Pittsburgh just spent a fourth round pick on Kentucky’s Benny Snell this past April.
Ironically enough, Sutton Smith’s second most comparable player from a size and athleticism comparison at running back is Le’Veon Bell, according to Mockdraftable.
We have no idea at this point what the Steelers are planning on doing with Sutton Smith. Perhaps they are just testing his versatility if there were to be a significant injury in the backfield. For now, we will tread cautiously when thinking that he is going to find a home on offense.