While the top of Steelers RB depth chart is set, there is a fight for the final spot that will likely be decided late due to a plethora of options.
There is a battle brewing in Steelers training camp, as a handful of running backs are vying for what will be the potential fourth RB spot on the roster. The top three spots are seemingly set.
James Conner is returning as the lead back, and assuming he can stay healthy, should resume his high level of play this year. Benny Snell flashed potential as a backup, and he could be a pair of fresh, powerful legs to supplement Conner. Finally, Anthony McFarland was taken in the fourth round this year and should prove to be a change of pace back.
Now, the Steelers aren’t guaranteed to carry a fourth RB, but considering the health of Conner being so in question and the fact the Steelers did so last year, it seems like a pretty good bet. Of the four backs going into camp, three of them spent time on the active roster last year, meaning that fight for the last spot will likely be fierce.
Considering the health struggles that have plagued the Steelers, it isn’t unthinkable that the fourth RB sees some playing time this year. Thus, having a multifaceted player who excels at multiple things is vital in securing this role.
While it may sound silly to focus in on a battle for a backend roster spot, the players battling for this role will see vital roles on special teams and if an injury occurs, may have to step in and contribute. That said, here are the likelihoods ranked of each Steelers backend RB securing the final roster spot:
Trey Edmunds
Likelihood of making the roster: >5 percent
Coming in dead last, Trey Edmunds almost didn’t make this list as he seems destined to be a cut at the end of training camp. While he did have one great run against the Colts, he struggled to be a constant playmaker and was usually being tackled at or behind the line of scrimmage. As well, he contributed very little as a receiver and failed to be dynamic when he did touch the ball.
While special teams is his calling card (supposedly), he wasn’t exactly a demon their either. While he logged six tackles on special teams and made a critical interception on a fake punt (tying his brother and fellow Steelers Terrell Edmunds in career interceptions), he wasn’t a vital piece to the special teams’ equation. As well, the Steelers added Derek Watt and drafted Antoine Brooks, both of which should be better special teamers than Edmunds.
Considering his lack of overall ability and likely diminished role, Edmunds has the worst chance of making the roster out of the quartet. While he may find a way onto the practice squad once again, that isn’t even certain, as his overall play doesn’t inspire a lot of hope. Expect to see Edmunds looking for work in about a month’s time.
Kerrith Whyte
Likelihood of making the roster: 10 percent
While Kerrith Whyte only played in six games for the Steelers last season, he flashed great speed and elusiveness in his limited play. He averaged an impressive 5.1 yards per carry, but more importantly provided the Steelers with a change of pace to the power that Conner and Snell brought to the team. Frankly, had the Steelers not invested a draft pick in the speedy McFarland, Whyte would be a favorite to earn the role of change of pace back.
On top of his speed out of the backfield, Whyte began taking kicks back for the Steelers. While his 18.9 yards per return isn’t great, he began taking kicks back well into the season. Perhaps with a full offseason of practice with the return team could yield better results. Considering the Steelers shortfalls in the return game, having an improved return man could yield positive results for the team.
His biggest issue is McFarland, as both provide a similar skillset, and Whyte has the inferior talent overall. That said, he could earn a spot on the practice squad. Given the unique nature of this season though, there is a good chance he is called up to the active roster at some point. His odds of making the actual roster are better than Edmunds, but he is still likely destined for the practice squad in week one.
Jaylen Samuels
Likelihood of making the roster: 35 percent
While on paper Jaylen Samuels is the most likely RB number four, his tape is the epidemy of useless. As a runner, Samuels misses a lot of holes and lacks the speed and athleticism to break the big play. While he did find success against the Patriots as a runner during his rookie year, that was more due to scheme than Samuels. This past season was an example of that, as Samuels rushed for a paltry 2.7 yards per carry.
Steelers nation hype Samuels up as a great pass catcher, and while he has ok hands, he lacks the ability to do anything when he actually catches the ball. He has logged 73 receptions so far in his career, but his 6.9 yards per catch demonstrate the fact he doesn’t do much with the passes he catches. On top of this, he also dropped five passes last year, showing that he may not have the hands everyone believes he has.
Overall, it’s hard to even call Samuels a jack of all trades, as he doesn’t do much at even an average level. While his veteran status will give him an early edge, his play and tape are paltry and doesn’t show a player worthy of being on the active roster. I expect Samuels to be cut outright, but his veteran status gives him an edge over both Whyte and Edmunds.
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.