When he was a rookie last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers tried to keep Jaylen Samuels as entrenched as a traditional, fulltime running back as possible.
Now that he’s been a pro and as part of the offense for a full year, Samuels is ready to spread his wings as the proverbial Swiss Army knife he was projected to be.
Samuels said Wednesday that he’s been used in more varied ways over the first week and a half of organized team activities.
“I feel like there is more they are putting on my plate this year,” the former N.C. State tight end/fullback/receiver/running back said. “Now that they saw I could do last year, I am getting more routes split out, and more routes overall as a receiver.”
Jaylen Samuels = Brings above average receiving threat as RB
— Across The Bridge (@ATBPGH) May 26, 2019
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Samuels had 56 carries (for 256 yards) and 26 catches (for 199 yards) and three touchdowns last season as a rookie. His usage varied wildly from healthy scratch in some games to Swiss Army knife in others, to being the featured running back during the Week 15 win against the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.
With James Conner and rookie Benny Snell also in the running back position room, Samuels versatility is what makes him stand out. Does he embrace carrying out diverse duties in the offense?
“I love it, I love it,” Samuels said. “The more I can do, the more I can help this team, and I love it.”
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