Anthony McFarland Holds Upper Hand in Steelers RB Battle
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for a third runner behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and despite the emergence of an undrafted rookie, Anthony McFarland remains the favorite.
The Steelers will let McFarland compete with undrafted rookies Alfonzo Graham and Darius Hagans and fellow veteran Jason Huntley for the final running back spot. Graham made noise at minicamp, with running backs coach Eddie Faulkner seeing constant improvement, and could be the fan favorite for the spot heading into training camp.
"That guy gets better every single day because he’s getting coached with detail and those things,” Faulkner said on Graham's development. "And so if we just continue to build on that, you might have something there."
Graham has the upside of being the next Jaylen Warren. He comes from Morgan State, where he accumulated 1,656 yards on the ground and 233 yards through the air. He has return capabilities and led the MEAC with 1,150 yards in his final season.
He's been impressive, but the Steelers aren't viewing it as his job right now. Instead, they remain optimistic about McFarland, and for the fourth year in a row, they're hoping he can catch on and use his skillset to earn a place within the offense.
"He’s somebody that we’re really taking a look at and we already kind of know what it is that he can do," Faulkner told All Steelers. "We’re just trying to feature him in some things. And I think Ant could definitely be in that room."
McFarland flashed his NFL capabilities during his single appearance against the Indianapolis Colts last season, rushing for six times for 30 yards. Last summer, he was used all over the field during training camp, but was ultimately placed on the practice squad due to the emergence of Warren.
This summer, things could be different. It's been a windy road for the former fourth-round pick, but if he's able to showcase his growth and continue to use his unmatched speed on the field, he should find himself as part of the Steelers' backfield this season.
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