Steelers' Eddie Faulkner Believes 2023 Training Camp Will Provide 'Mullet' Monte Pottebaum The Necessary Spotlight To Showcase His Talents

The Pittsburgh Steelers will return to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 27th for their 2023 training camp. While the coaching staff already has a decent understanding of what their 53-man roster will look like in August, there are still quite a few roster spots that are open at a variety of positions. As recent history has proven, the Steelers tend to fill out the bottom of their roster with players who perform well on special teams. There is perhaps no better example of a player whose level of play in Latrobe will dictate his fate of making the team or not more than undrafted rookie fullback, Monte Pottebaum. 

The Steelers have yet to re-sign their 2022 fullback in Derek Watt so there is certainly an opening for the former University of Iowa standout to land on the initial 53-man roster. With that being said, the team may feel comfortable enough in delegating the fullback responsibilities to Connor Heyward, who has experience playing there during his time at Michigan State. 

However, if the coaching staff wants Heyward to focus his attention at tight end, there may be a need for a player such as Pottebaum to open up running lanes for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in 2023. There is no denying Pottebaum's talents as a run-blocker. At 6'1" and 244 pounds, he was an absolute force as a lead blocker during his tenure with the Hawkeyes. 

Pottebaum Receives Praise From Steelers Running Backs Coach 

During a recent interview following the Steelers' mandatory veteran minicamp, running backs coach, Eddie Faulkner voiced his support of Pottebaum and shared his excitement to watch him play during training camp. 

"Monte's smart. He hasn't gotten a whole lot of reps out here, but he knows his role and what the fullback role is, and when we ask him to get in there, he's all over it. I'm really excited to get into camp, when we got pads on, and see what he can bring to the table. He's a viable person for sure," Faulkner said. 

As Faulkner points out, it was most likely difficult for Pottebaum to show his value during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp, as much of his game is defined by his physical style of play. Fortunately, Latrobe will be much different. The undrafted free agent will have numerous opportunities to show what he can do both on offense, and more importantly, special teams. 

With the team missing key members of their 2022 special teams unit such as Jamir Jones, Robert Spillane, Marcus Allen and Benny Snell, there is a serious need for players to step up and play for Danny Smith's unit. 

While Pottebaum likely faces an uphill battle of cracking the 53-man roster, it may not be completely out of the realm of possibility. Take Warren for an example. Prior to training camp in 2022, most Steelers fans were not even aware of who he was and had very little belief that he would beat out the likes of Anthony McFarland Jr. Needless to say, Warren's success during his rookie campaign is a bit of an outlier, but it certainly does not the change the chances for Pottebaum, who will undoubtedly need a strong performance in the preseason as well. 

In past seasons, the Steelers have typically kept three tight ends and one fullback on their active roster. In 2023, this will likely mean Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry and Darnell Washington occupying the tight end spots with Heyward serving as the de-facto fullback. However, it may be possible that Pottebaum sneaks his way in with special teams being a focus. 

While Heyward is certainly capable of serving as a lead blocker, he is not as effective in this area of his game as Pottebaum. With the Steelers already voicing their aspirations of running the ball effectively in 2023, there may end up being room for both players. Training camp will definitely answer all of these questions. July 27th can't come soon enough. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

What do you think about Faulkner's comments regarding Pottebaum? Do you think he will make the 53-man roster? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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