Steelers training camp: Battle at running back depth is heating up

Wendall Smallwood

Likelihood of making the roster: 50 percent

The most recent of the Steelers additions at RB, Wendell Smallwood is looking to carve out a role despite joining the roster so late. While on paper he looks like a longshot, his overall ability makes him a sleeper candidate to latch on as the fourth RB. The former West Virginia RB has rushed for just under 1,000 yards and has caught 22 passes during his four-year career.

While those numbers aren’t noteworthy, he looks like a more dynamic RB than Samuels. He has more burst when he hits the hole and is far more elusive in space. While he hasn’t caught the number of passes that Samuels has, he can make the big play happen. Smallwood looks like a valuable complement back, and one who offers the most upside as an offensive weapon.

If that wasn’t enough, Smallwood has also been a valuable special teams’ player. He has returned a handful of kickoffs during his career, but he has also served as a defender on the punt coverage team. That type of versatility makes him valuable as a reserve, as even if he isn’t needed on offense, he can still offer the team value on special teams. Given he is a better RB and special teamer than any of the aforementioned options, expect Smallwood to make a push for a roster spot despite being added so late in the process.

The Steelers have a battle brewing at the bottom of their depth chart. With the quartet of RBs ready to fight for what is likely one spot and maybe a practice squad spot, expect a heated battle from these options. The Steelers have uncertainty atop of their depth due to injuries, thus having a deep and capable RB group is vital in securing a successful season from the RB group.