Early 53 man roster projections for the Steelers after the 2023 NFL Draft

Steelers 53-man roster running backs (3): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Monte Pottebaum (FB), Free Agent

To be clear, the Steelers do not have a running back named free agent, but they might as well. This unit is anchored by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and the Steelers have not adapted to the growing plurality of teams that widely disperse running back snaps. In 2022, Harris played 66% of the team’s overall snaps according to Pro Football Reference; Warren played 29.5%. No other running back on the team eclipsed 10% of the team’s offensive snaps.

Behind Harris and Warren, the Steelers have a group of backs signed to futures contracts who I don’t think make the final roster.

Instead, I think the Steelers bring in a backup running back who can also contribute on special teams. There’s some speculation the Steelers will bring back Benny Snell; others think he’s not proven enough in his career thus far. If the latter is the case, there are plenty of other running backs still available.

Finally, Monte Pottebaum is the guy I have slated in to replace Derek Watt. The Steelers have continued to carry a fullback even as other teams in the league no longer carry the position. I think Pottebaum will impress enough in camp to earn a spot on the roster, but his primary competition will come from tight ends Connor Hayward or Zach Gentry who could presumably man the H-Back role if needed.