Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest reason to be excited in 2018

By Brad Berreman

BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Robin Alam-Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Robin Alam-Icon Sportswire/Getty Images /

Pittsburgh Steelers – A new “Slash”?

Expectations are very high once again in Pittsburgh this year, with one more season as currently constructed with all key players (assuming Le’Veon Bell shows up) in place. With so few changes this offseason, finding a source of real excitement for the 2108 season is a little tough.

Enter Jaylen Samuels, a rookie fifth-round pick out of North Carolina State. He is technically listed as a running back now, as he was announced at the draft. But he was a multi-position threat in college, with time as a tight end, a wide receiver and a running back. As a senior last year he had 75 receptions, 12 rushing touchdowns (16 total touchdowns) while accounting for exactly 1,000 yards from scrimmage. He also averaged 23.7 yards per kickoff return in some spot duty last year.

One position Samuels did not play in college was quarterback, so it’s at best unknown if he can throw the ball. But it’s easy see an immediately usable multi-purpose asset for the Steelers, like Kordell “Slash” Stewart was upon arrival back in the mid-’90s.

Samuels has a chance to take over as Pittsburgh’s lead back in 2019, assuming Bell’s inevitable exit upon hitting unrestricted free agency. But for this year, he’s shaping up to be a unique weapon who can be lined up all over the field. Whenever Samuels gets his hands on the ball, opposing defense will be holding their breath.

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