The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in dire straights to get a quality fullback since Derek Watt's contract expired and rookie, Monte Pottebaum retired just days into training camp. In one of the most unpredictable moves we've seen recently, offensive lineman, Kendrick Green took snaps at fullback during the Friday Night Lights practice as well as on Saturday. Due to a jam-packed offensive line Green, multiple situations have led to him trying out the fullback position and it seems like he's thriving in his new role.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to decide the starting position of Kendrick Green.
"I'm here for it, man. I think it's nice [on] 4th and 1, 3rd and 2, you know? Why not?"
Green has had some recent struggles on the depth chart for the Steelers, but he also saw some early success in the black and gold. In his rookie season, he was the Steelers starting center for 15 games. He did not appear as a starting center since and wasn't active for a single game in 2022.
That did not discourage him, however. Green is known for his resilience both on and off the field and has been looking to get more playing time since his demotion. The Steelers and Watt could not agree to terms on a new contract, so he became a free agent in 2023. With no solid fullback plan, the Steelers signed Pottebaum out of the undrafted free agency pool in 2023, only to see him retire a couple of days into training camp. With no clear fullback on the roster, the Steelers needed to get creative.
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Steelers former fullback, Derek Watt (#44) stands in the end zone during warmups prior to a 2021 regular season matchup.
Steelers Like Power
Pittsburgh has always been known for powerful, rough-and-tumble running backs and fullbacks. Names like Jerome Bettis, Franco Harris and more recently, Najee Harris, are all well-known by Steelers and NFL fans and all are characterized by their downhill running and powerful frame. Green is no different. He's built like an offensive lineman with great hand movement and decent speed. Green comes in at 6'2" and 315 pounds. Bettis, for comparison, is 5'11" 251. It's safe to say Green can make some powerful impact blocks and clear the way for Harris, as well as churning those big legs to pick up an extra yard or two.
Green also impresses with his speed. He ran a 4.89 40-yard dash (impressive for a lineman) at the 2021 NFL Combine, and with two years of professional conditioning now under his belt, it's safe to assume he is able to run a little faster. Pairing that with a 10 1/8-inch hand size, Green seems to fit perfectly in the fullback position to provide pancake blocks and power yards to help push the Steelers offense to the next level.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: JSKO_Photo)
Steelers offensive lineman, Kendrick Green (#53) stretches with his teammates before a training camp practice in Pittsburgh, PA.
People Love the Big Man
Big men touchdowns and plays have always been fan favorites in the NFL, from Larry Allen's interception run down to Dan Connolly's 71-yard kick return and Dontari Poe coming in for the Chiefs during both passing and running in touchdowns. Big man plays are just about as entertaining as you can get in the NFL, and everyone is excited to see if Green can continue the trend and bring an extra spark to the Steelers offense.
There's no doubt Green has become a fan favorite and overnight sensation with his fullback performance at Friday Night Lights. He made incredible blocks, one-time flattening a defender on his back. Green seems to be settling in very well in his new-found role, and he should continue to practice at the fullback position, and many are hopeful that he will make multiple appearances there in the regular season.
Are you excited to see how Green develops as a fullback and if he'll get any regular-season action? Let us know in the comments!
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