While the traditional fullback is a dying breed of player in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers still seem to want one on the roster. While they haven’t invested in the position like they have in the past with Roosevelt Nix and Derek Watt (two players that got large deals with Pittsburgh), the want is still there.
Connor Heyward has seen some looks there (although the Steelers seem to have cooled on him) while Jonnu Smith can serve as a weapon from that spot (but not a lead blocker). They also gave a hefty signing bonus to undrafted fullback D.J. Thomas-Jones.
However, the actual solution could lie on the defensive side of the ball.
While not a regular thing, linebacker Mark Robinson has seen a handful of snaps at fullback. Considering the number of options there, the fact that Robinson is sneaking in some snaps there is notable.
No, he may not make a full-time position switch this season, but he could factor into the offensive plan. And if he does, it could cause some massive ripples in the final roster.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could have the next multi-positional star in Mark Robinson
A former running back in college, Robinson made the late switch to linebacker during his final season at Ole Miss. Drafted in the seventh round, the hope was that his development would continue.
On paper, it did. He looked good early in camp, made an impact on special teams, and, when given the opportunity, held his own on defense. The Steelers didn’t seem to agree, though, having constantly buried him on the depth chart in favor of free agent signings.
While his defensive ability is no longer needed, he is still a positive on special teams, and that is his current route to a roster spot. No matter what role he plays elsewhere, if he makes the roster, it is for his ability on special teams.
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That said, being able to serve as a lead blocker could give this roster a lot of versatility. Heyward clearly hasn’t impressed in that role, and his ability as a tight end is also in question. His special teams play is ok, but Robinson kicking in on the offense could easily boot him off the roster.
This opens up an additional roster spot for someone else to claim. It could be another tight end, perhaps the underdog J.J. Galbreath or a veteran at cutdown day. Maybe the team also hangs on to rookie Carson Bruener as a sixth linebacker. Given how complex the secondary is right now, keeping an extra piece there would be helpful.
This wouldn’t be the first time a defender has thrived at fullback. Patrick Ricard did it early in his career before completely switching to offense. The aforementioned Nix was a defender in school before entering the NFL.
Perhaps the best example is the most recent with Scott Matlock with the Chargers. He played the majority of his snaps on special teams last year but also chipped in as a fullback and even played along the defensive line. This could be exactly the role that Robinson could thrive in.
All of this to say, this roster could get extremely unique. We need to see more of Robinson on offense, and preferably in a preseason game, but if that experiment continues, it could cause some massive waves when the final roster takes shape.