New Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell caught nearly 10 times fewer passes at the college level than did Jaylen Samuels, the team’s running back selection from the previous draft. His three seasons produced fewer receptions than most NFL running backs have in one—or even a quarter of a season for some.
Despite that, the Steelers have expressed confidence in their belief of Snell’s ability to contribute in the passing game, perhaps relying upon comparisons to their other running back, James Conner, who had marginal contributions in the passing game at the college level but did it with success in 2018.