Steelers training camp: Benny Snell could start sooner rather than later

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have gotten a solid player out of Benny Snell in the 2019 NFL Draft. Here’s why he could start sooner rather than later.

While James Conner is primed for a bounce-back season, the Steelers running back who made the most waves in camp appeared to be Benny Snell. The former Kentucky starter logged 426 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his rookie season last year. Most of his touches came as a result of Conner struggling through injuries, but as a starter, Snell displayed a lot of power when he ran. Based on his camp reports, the second-year running back could be vying for an even bigger role in 2020.

The Steelers recent draft trend has been to target bigger backs – usually above 225 lbs. Then, in their second year, these RBs sim down in order to add to their elusiveness and speed. Snell has followed suit – reportedly trimming down about 10 lbs this offseason. As a result, Snell has looked more explosive and dynamic in camp. If he can translate those results onto the field, he could be a hard player to keep on the sidelines.

On top of looking slimmer and faster, his hands have supposedly been great in camp, as he has reeled in plenty of receptions. Considering one of Snell’s biggest questions coming out of college was his lack of usage in the passing game, him developing as a receiving threat is positive. The Steelers like their starting back to be complete and receive a bulk of the workload. Snell has proven in college he can be a bell cow, now he’s showing that he can play on every down.

Now, Conner will almost certainly begin the season as the starter, but he has struggled through injuries throughout his career. More than likely, Conner will end up being sidelined at some point this season. The Steelers shouldn’t be afraid of Snell taking over in this case, but it poses the question: What happens if Snell looks dynamic when he sees the field? If Snell can put his talent he is showcasing in camp onto the field, it may be hard to take him off the field once Conner comes back.

No matter what happens this season, Snell seems primed to be the starter next year after Conner leaves. While his potential will be much bigger a year from now, don’t be surprised if he shows up early in the season even if his workload is limited behind Conner. If Conner has another injury-plagued year, Snell could easily step into that lead back role. Given Snell seems more durable, he could go from backup to starter this season if Conner continues to have his injury questions.

Steelers fans need to be ready to see some ‘Benny Snell Football’ this year, as he has been working hard to transform his game. Even if he serves as the backup for most of the season, he will still see work behind Conner. If an injury occurs, he could take over as the starter and run with it. Assuming all of the hype is true, Snell should be primed to take on the lead back role in 2021.