Kevin Colbert has a remarkable track record when it comes to the NFL Draft, but these four former draft selections might not make the Steelers roster in 2021.
When it comes to the NFL Draft, there are few general managers I would rather have in my corner than Kevin Colbert. Admittedly, there have been a few rough patches in there with players like Jarvis Jones and Artie Burns, but even the best are prone to mistakes.
What we do know about Colbert is that he is the man responsible for drafting Steelers legends like Troy Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger, and Alan Faneca (with many more Pro Bowl and even All-Pro players in the mix). In recent years, Colbert found a diamond in the rough with T.J. Watt and made a rare trade to acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick.
While We always like to see the young guys make the final cut, each year there are a few former draft picks who can longer hang onto their roster spot. Here are four former Kevin Colbert draft picks in danger of being cut from the Steelers in 2021:
RB Jaylen Samuels
Pittsburgh’s initial 2021 depth chart has Jaylen Samuels listed as the team’s fourth running back – which likely has him barely making the cut. However, it’s important not to read too deeply into the first depth chart release of the new season.
The Steelers roster locks at the position include 2021 first-round pick Najee Harris and speedster Anthony McFarland. It also looks like Benny Snell has an excellent shot at making the team after being listed second on the depth chart behind Harris. However, the Steelers also signed Kalen Ballage this offseason, and he’s not going to go down without a fight.
If Pittsburgh elects to go with just three running backs (plus a fullback) this year, then Samuels has almost no chance of making the cut. In order for him to stick on the final roster, the Steelers need to keep four running backs, and he likely needs to beat out Ballage to stick around in 2021.