5 Steelers players on the roster bubble ahead of OTAs

Jaylen Samuels, running back

I’ve got to be honest, Jaylen Samuels making the roster in 2021 is going to be a really tough sell. Though the Steelers lost James Conner in free agency this offseason, they used their 1st round draft choice on Alabama running back, Najee Harris.

Samuels’ saving grace could be his ability and experience as a pass-catcher. Last year, the Steelers decided to keep four running backs on their active roster, and Samuels was one of them. While many are expecting him to get the boot in 2021, he has a chance to stick around due to his experience as a receiver – something Matt Canada could find useful in his new-look offense.

So far, it’s very safe to assume that Harris, Anthony McFarland, and Benny Snell are roster locks for this team in 2021. If the Steelers go with a fourth running back, it’s likely going to come down to Samuels, Kalen Ballage, or Trey Edmunds. Ballage was signed this offseason and has been a reserve running back for the Dolphins, Jets, and Chargers, while Edmunds is a special teams player.

Of course, Pittsburgh could roll with three running backs now that they have a bell cow in Harris, but if they choose to keep a fourth, Samuels will have to beat out two other players to stick around.