5 Steelers who dodged a bullet with Pittsburgh’s draft results

Justin Layne #31 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Justin Layne #31 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell (24). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Steelers RB Benny Snell Jr.

Another player who may just keep their job for another season is running back, Benny Snell. Despite being in a contract year and not doing much to impress on the football field, Snell has a chance to make the team by default.

Undrafted rookie Mataeo Durant could potentially give Snell a run for this money. However, Durant isn’t exactly an ideal fit if Najee Harris goes down as he is listed at just 5’11” and 196 pounds. The Steelers, meanwhile, will likely look to keep at least one ‘big’ backup RB who can carry the load in the event of an injury.

If the Steelers would have spent as much as a mid-round pick on a running back this year, it could have been Snell forced out the door. With how inefficient he has been, he likely knew this as well, and I’m willing to bet there were beads of sweat rolling down his face with each passing selection Pittsburgh made in the draft.

Snell isn’t guaranteed a roster spot, but his chances of sticking around for the final year of his contract greatly increased when the Steelers didn’t spend a pick on a true running back. You can bet he’s going to be working hard this training camp.