The Pittsburgh Steelers, like the other 31 teams in the NFL, are beginning to get a glimpse at what their final roster will look like. Teams used to have to cut their rosters down from 90 players gradually throughout training camp, but now it is just one cut at the end of camp. There are a lot of givens when it comes to a final roster - the starters, specialists, and drafted rookies usually all make the final 53. Past that, a lot of difficult decisions are made when it comes to ironing out who should be kept around.
Getty Images
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith embrace each other after their teams faced off during a professional football game.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin will have the final say on who makes the roster. Position coaches and coordinators certainly have some input as well, but a big factor in deciding players' fate is Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith. This may be a surprise to some, but special teams is a third of the game. The players on the backend of the roster are usually just for added depth at certain positions, and they better be able to make an impact on special teams. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith spoke to the media about fullback Jack Colletto, who is currently on the edge of making the final roster.
"I give Jack a lot of credit because we've challenged him, and he's been very physical out here, and he's a smart football player, and the big picture will have to develop. The easiest way to get on the roster, whether you're a backup tight end, wide receiver, or running back or a fullback, is to do really well for Danny. Then you get a helmet every week and then we can use those guys. So, it's a lot of collaboration and that's what we're working through right now."
The fullback has been going extinct over the last decade or so at the NFL level. Arthur Smith has used one in his offense quite a bit, which bodes well for Colletto and his chances to make the team. The only issue is, the Steelers have a really good tight end group, who aren't afraid to put their hand in the dirt and lead the way for a running back.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Jack Colletto running drills in training camp.
The starting fullback on the Steelers' first depth chart of training camp was tight end Connor Heyward. He played the position in college, and has lined up in the backfield for Pittsburgh on occasion. He is also a factor in the passing game from the tight end position. He contributes to the offense, and has been a special teams player for the Steelers for two seasons. He provides a lot of value, and Colletto will need to find a way to do the same in order to make the final roster and earn the starting fullback job.
Even if a fullback does make a roster, they are usually one of the last few players on it. Danny Smith will have the final say on Colletto, and his special teams abilities will be what decides if he makes the final roster. Colletto will be an interesting guy to keep an eye on during the Steelers' final preseason games.
Steelers Haven't Rostered A Fullback Since 2022
Pittsburgh went through the 2023 season without a true fullback on the roster, and Heyward would fill the role when needed. Prior to 2023, Derek Watt was Pittsburgh's fullback for three seasons.
Steelers.com
Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt (90) poses with brother Derek when he was still a member of the team.
Watt scored a few touchdowns for the Steelers, and was a strong defender on special teams. The Steelers brought in a fullback ahead of the 2023 season in Monte Pottebaum, who seemed like he was slowly becoming a fan favorite. Unfortunately, Pottebaum retired from football shortly after camp began, in a similar manner to Markus Golden.
Colletto certainly has a better chance to make the final roster than Pottebaum ever did, and the Steelers might actually bring back the fullback position in 2024. Of course, as long as Danny Smith signs off on it.
Do you want to see Colletto on the final roster? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
