3 Steelers fighting for their job in training camp

2. RB Jaylen Samuels

The lack of a running game has been a problem for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the better part of three seasons. In April, the club did something it hadn’t done since done since 2008 and chose a running back with their first-round draft choice.

There is a lot of anticipation and excitement surrounding the addition of former University of Alabama standout Najee Harris. Of course, there is also plenty of concern when it comes to the Steelers’ refurbished offensive line – which will have a dramatically different look this fall.

That also could be the case when it comes to the backfield and the running back depth chart. James Conner was a third-round pick in 2017 and after four seasons in the Steel City left for free agency and joined the Cardinals. That leaves Harris, a pair of fourth-round picks in speedy Anthony McFarland (2020) and powerful Benny Snell Jr. (2019). There’s also 2021 free-agent pickup Kalen Ballage.

There’s also three-year pro Jaylen Samuels, a 2018 fifth-round pick from North Carolina State who was supposed to be a jack-of-all trades. But he’s failed to distinguish himself on offense in three seasons. Could be become a factor in new coordinator Matt Canada’s attack?