One thought for all 90 players on the Steelers roster entering training camp

  • A plethora of defensive backs in the mix
  • Plenty of developmental prospects on the roster
Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp, Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp, Steelers / Justin K. Aller/GettyImages
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Running back: RB3 job is a wide-open competition

Najee Harris: After a down season in 2022, Harris will be looking to bounce back with a big year-three performance. The former first-round pick has recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to begin his NFL career, but efficiency and explosive plays have been lacking. He will try to prove that he's one of the better workhorse backs this year.

Jaylen Warren: Warren is a player who proved throughout the 2022 season that he deserved a bigger bite of the apple. The former undrafted free agent was the biggest surprise on the team last year, and the arrow is pointed up. If he continues to build on his performance in year two, he could cut into Najee's workload.

Anthony McFarland: McFarland had a great preseason in 2022 -- averaging 5.7 yards per carry. However, he was booted off the roster as the Steelers kept Benny Snell (who was a core special teams player). Warren could be the front-runner for the RB3 job this year, but his lack of special teams coverage ability could hurt him.

Alfonzo Graham: The undrafted rookie out of Morgan State is undersized at 5'9'' and 180 pounds, but his ability as a return specialist could help him carve out a niche at Steelers training camp. Graham may not be an ideal reserve running back though, due to his lack of size and ability between the tackles.

Darius Hagans: At 6'0 and 210 pounds, Hagans has a solid build for the running back position. the Virginia State product will be one of several running backs looking to secure the RB3 role this year in Pittsburgh. His performance on special teams could be the determining factor, but his workhorse frame would be enticing if Harris or Warren were to go down with an injury.

Jason Huntley: The second-year pro may have a hard time sticking on an NFL roster. Huntley is fast and explosive. Interestingly, the 25-year-old is one of the oldest running backs on the roster and his slight fame could put him at a disadvantage.

Fullback: An oldschool FB and a new-age H-back

Connor Heyward: Call him a tight end, an H-back, or a fullback. whichever label you want to use, Heyward should be a jack-of-all-trades for the Steelers in 2023. He will serve as a core special teams player while also seeing the field in numerous packages and alignments on offense.

NOTE: Fullback Monte Pottebaum recently announced his retirement from the NFL.