Ranking the Steelers current options at backup running back

While the Steelers have their new bell-cow back, there is an extremely tight race as to who will be the team’s top backup running back.

After the Steelers invested their first pick of the 2021 draft in Najee Harris, there is little question as to who will start at running back by week one. This doesn’t mean the group is set though, as there is a fierce battle brewing at backup running back.

While not the most important position for the team, having a capable reserve take some snaps away from Harris keeps him healthier and well-rested. As well, if an injury were to occur, having a good backup alleviates the potential loss. Here is a ranking of who would be the Steeler backup running back in 2021:

4. Steelers Jaylen Samuels

This is essentially a formality at this point, as while Jaylen Samuels is still on the roster, there is a very good chance he is looking for a new team by the start of the season. If he did somehow make the roster, he would be the fourth option on the depth chart and would ideally not see a lot of snaps. Of all the options currently on the Steelers, Samuels is the least likely to have any sort of an impact in 2021.

Most of this is due to Samuels mediocre play. He does nothing that well, and it is frustrating when the team would force him onto the field. While he has decent size for a back, he lacks the power to push the line. He had below-average athleticism, and despite the hype he has as a receiver, his hands and route running are nothing special. He can chip in on special teams, but the impact he has there is minimal. It would be a shock to see Samuels make this team, let alone him serve as the primary backup.