The Pittsburgh Steelers have suddenly built a dynamic duo in their backfield. On Monday, experts Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan of SiriusXM NFL Radio ranked the Steelers' duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as top-five in the NFL. Beyond the two though, there have been question marks this summer. The team let veteran Benny Snell Jr. walk in free agency, as he actually visited the Denver Broncos on Tuesday.
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While Benny Snell Jr. won't be a big loss offensively, the Steelers will certainly miss his special teams presence.
That left the team with Anthony McFarland Jr. and a bunch of unknowns as the depth behind Harris and Warren. Last offseason, it was Warren who established himself as a rookie undrafted free agent. He impressed all throughout the summer, beginning with OTAs and minicamp, before eventually earning a spot on the 53-man roster. Not only did the Oklahoma State product make the roster, but he became Harris' primary backup right away.
Warren went on to enjoy a stellar rookie season, and he's shown up looking bigger and more muscular this summer. Now, there's another similar story evolving this summer in Pittsburgh's backfield. That would be Alfonzo Graham out of Morgan State, who was a standout at OTAs. Now, it's translating to minicamp, and he has put running backs coach Eddie Faulkner on notice.
"He’s explosive. He’s got a quick start. He can get to speed quick. He’s smart. He’s got a skill set in terms as a receiver. He’s got a lot to learn. He’s somebody that we’re really taking a look at and we already kind of know what it is that he can do. We’re just trying to feature him in some things. And I think Ant [McFarland] could definitely be in that room."
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Steelers 2020 fourth-round running back Anthony McFarland Jr. has seen just 129 offensive snaps in his three seasons in Pittsburgh.
We are just a few months away from the team's full 53-man roster coming out, but the initial signs are encouraging for the rookie. If anything, one has to think Graham would make the practice squad at the very least. Now, the team could opt to carry four running backs, especially with not having a true fullback on this team, but that seems unlikely. Graham hasn't proven (yet) to provide an impact on special teams.
Who will win Steelers' No. 3 RB job?
Luckily for the rookie, McFarland doesn't bring much in that aspect either. The 2020 fourth-rounder has seen just eight special teams snaps in his three-year career. Faulkner, who is entering his fifth season with the team, wasn't done raving about the rookie tailback.
"That guy gets better every single day because he’s getting coached with detail and those things. And so if we just continue to build on that, you might have something there," Faulkner said via Steelers.com.
Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers running backs coach Eddie Faulkner has done a solid job in his four seasons with the team.
The running backs coach did admit that McFarland probably has the nod heading into the summer, but it seems Graham is gaining ground. As of now though, it seems like it's a two-man race for the No. 3 job in Pittsburgh. Beyond McFarland and Graham, Darius Hagans and Jason Huntley are the only other two backs on the roster. Those two don't possess the talent, or experience, to keep up with the other two in the race for the No. 3 role.
Seemingly, the only realistic way that neither McFarland or Graham win the job would be if they were to sign someone from the outside. Recent outlets have suggested the Steelers as a possible destination for two well-known running backs in Dalvin Cook and Leonard Fournette. While neither of those names make sense, the front office could find a solid veteran back after roster cuts are made in August.
Who do you think will end up winning the No. 3 job in Pittsburgh's backfield? What kind of attributes about Graham are you excited to watch in the preseason? Do you think the team should have brought back a guy like Snell for special teams purposes? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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