The Pittsburgh Steelers should have no concerns regarding their top two running back spots in 2023, as Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are poised to cement themselves as one of the league's best duos. However, there is a question as to who will be the third-string running back going into next season. While many have viewed fourth-year pro, Anthony McFarland Jr. as the odds-on favorite, well-respected Steelers' insider, Gerry Dulac, has another player in mind for the role.
MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
Former Morgan State RB, Alfonzo Graham
During a recent chat transcript posted on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette website, Dulac gave a surprising answer as to who he predicts will back up Harris and Warren in 2023.
"Alfonzo Graham, undrafted free agent from Morgan State. He got invited to OTAs from rookie minicamp tryout. He looks like last year's Jaylen Warren," answered Dulac.
Is Graham A Legitimate Candidate To Make The Steelers' Roster In 2023?
The Steelers invited Graham to rookie minicamp this past month and subsequently earned a contract from the team. There may be some who view his chances of making the Steelers' roster as slim, but it is not out of the realm of possibility, as Warren is only one year removed from doing so during the 2022 campaign. Interestingly enough, as Dulac points out, Graham has already drawn comparisons to Warren from his play at OTAs.
At 5'9" and 180 pounds, Graham does not fit the traditional mold of an NFL running back, but possesses elite-level quickness and the ability to break off a long run at a moment's notice. During his two seasons at Morgan State, he ran for over 1,600 yards and averaged a staggering 6.6 yards per rush. Yes, you read that correctly. Needless to say, what Graham lacks in size, he more than makes up for with his home run-hitting ability out of the backfield. The former Morgan State star also has experience as a return specialist, which may end up helping his chances of cracking the 53-man roster.
Jordan D Brown / MSU Spokesman
Steelers UDFA, Alfonzo Graham Has A Chance To Make The Team In 2023
Take Your Pick: McFarland Or Graham As The Steelers RB3?
At this point in time, it seems as if McFarland and Graham are the two favorites to play behind Harris and Warren this upcoming season. Both players are similar in their playing styles, as they are undersized running backs who use their speed to help them be effective. McFarland, who has struggled to find his way on the field during his time in Pittsburgh, would have likely made the active roster in 2022 had it not been for the sudden emergence of Warren. If the former fourth-round pick can stay healthy and prove his worth in being a well-rounded back, he will have a tremendous opportunity to earn the RB3 job.
Graham, on the other hand, is a bit of a wild card. Are his impressive college stats the result of playing against weak competition or is he capable of making the same types of plays against NFL defenders? He will likely need to add additional weight in order to withstand the physical toll that comes along with being a ball carrier at the professional level. If he can do so, as well as prove his worth as a special teams player, the front office may have an incredibly difficult decision to make between himself and McFarland.
USA TODAY
Steelers RB, Anthony McFarland Will Need A Strong Performance During The 2023 Preseason To Solidify His Spot On The Roster
Final Thoughts
The Steelers making a late offseason addition to the running back room in the form of a veteran free agent is a possibility for the RB3 position as well. There are still a few interesting names out there who might fit the role well such as Benny Snell Jr. or Justin Jackson, who most recently played for the Detroit Lions.
Needless to say, regardless of who the team ultimately decides on, the player will need to play both offense as well as special teams. If Graham winds up winning the job, it will mark the second year in a row that an undrafted free agent rookie makes the 53-man roster. While the odds are inevitably stacked against him, do not be surprised if this ends up being the case.
What are your thoughts on Dulac's comments regarding Graham? Do you like him over McFarland? Would you still want the Steelers to add a veteran running back? Let us know in the comments!
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