In 2019, the Pittsburgh Steelers run game was among the worst in the league in nearly every statistical category. We can make a list of all the reasons why from poor offensive line play to struggles at the quarterback position. But the play of the running backs and the injuries also played a role. The Steelers decided to hedge their bets on the running back position in the 2020 NFL draft.
Rather than spend an early pick on a back basically showing no confidence in the current players on the roster, Pittsburgh waited until the fourth round to draft former Maryland running back Anthony McFarland Jr. instead.
What does this addition mean for the Steelers run game? McFarland does add an element of speed to the depth chart. McFarland only weighs 208 pounds but he runs like a guy much heavier. This can be a negative in the NFL, especially for a guy with a significant injury history.
The Steelers have James Conner, Benny Snell Jr. and Jaylen Samuels entrenched as the top three. There isn’t anything McFarland does to threaten any of their spots. He’s likely more of a specialist who will give the Steelers offense more of a change of pace as opposed to a consistent weapon in the run game.
In terms of the roster, the guy who is in jeopardy of losing a roster spot because of the addition of McFarland is probably Kerrith Whyte. Whyte is the speed guy on the team now and Pittsburgh isn’t going to keep both.
