Pittsburgh Steelers roster locks heading into 2020 season

Running backs

James Conner

Benny Snell Jr.

Anthony McFarland

Derek Watt

Obviously, James Conner isn’t going anywhere as the Steelers feature back still has one year remaining on his deal. Behind him is a ‘new-look’ Benny Snell who reportedly came to camp in great shape this year. The 22-year old running back is currently the insurance policy to Conner and will operate as Pittsburgh’s starting running back if Conner goes down this year.

The Steelers signed fullback Derek Watt to a rich new deal that currently earns him the second-highest paycheck at the fullback position in the league. He will wear multiple hats for Pittsburgh this year, as they look for him to be a factor on special teams.

Meanwhile, Anthony McFarland slides securely into the RB3 spot. The 2020 fourth-round pick is jumping into his first NFL action without any preseason experience but will be a roster lock due to his status as a mid-round draft choice. McFarland will have a chance to climb in the depth chart as the season goes on.

I did not include Jaylen Samuels as a roster lock this year, as the third-year running back has a chance to be the odd man out; especially if Pittsburgh elects to keep a special teams back like Trey Edmunds or Wendell Smallwood around instead.