An early Steelers 53-man roster prediction before training camp

RB (4): Najee Harris, Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland, Derrick Watt

While the Steelers kept five total backs last season, it would make logical sense for the team to cut that number down to four. Last season, the team was betting on James Conner remaining healthy for the year but rostered an additional running back in case of injury. Now, the team is set to start Najee Harris at running back, and given his first-round status, he should be entrusted to be the bell cow.

Could the team keep a fifth back? Potentially, but if the team wants Harris to be the complete guy, it wouldn’t make much sense. Instead, expect the backups in Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland to battle it out with Kallen Ballage and Jaylen Samuels respectfully. Considering Samuels doesn’t offer much skill on the offensive or defensive side of the team, McFarland makes much more sense as a change of pace back.

The battle between Ballage and Snell is more intriguing, to say the least. Ballage has a bit more athleticism and was successful as a short-yardage back last season. That said, Snell is a key special teams contributor and still can provide some value on offense. Thus, Snell gets the roster spot. As for Derrick Watt, there isn’t another fullback on the roster right now, so his spot seems set in stone.