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The Pittsburgh Steelers are crazy about the rook in the backfield, Jaylen Samuels.
Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Steelers running backs coach James Saxton praises the Steelers fifth-round back while using an interesting word.
“The kid answers the bell in a lot of different ways,” Saxon said. “You can just tell as you watch games and you evaluate tape that certain situations where they need a big play, they stick him back there and hand him the ball.”
That's right. He answers the “bell” in a lot of different ways, as in Le'Veon. Of course, while the usage of the word was most likely a coincidence, one can't help but make that connection.
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Bell, 26, is one of (if not) the best backs in the NFL yet remains playing without a long-term deal. He's vocally maintained his displeasure of playing under the franchise tag and speculation has been flying from every angle pertaining to what'll happen this time next year.
It was widely thought that a back would be gobbled up early in the draft. It didn't happen. Instead, Samuels, the N.C. State product, was taken by the Steelers in the fifth round. Though he's garnering high praise, the kid does admit he's playing with a bit of a chip on his shoulder due to the slide experienced in the draft.
“I’ve felt disrespected. That’s just a little bit of motivation for me,” said Samuels, who caught 201 passes at North Carolina State along with scoring 47 touchdowns in 383 overall touches. “I’ve always been underestimated all my life.”
Also in the mix for playing time is second-year back James Conner. Though we won't know what Bell's future holds in Western Pennsylvania, the depth chart's three backs this coming season deploy a lethal combination of attributes for Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense.
