Why you should be excited about fifth-round running back Jaylen Samuels:
-Samuels was listed as an H-back at N.C. State and finished his career with the Wolfpack No. 1 in program history in receptions (202), No. 2 in total touchdowns (47), No. 4 in receiving touchdowns (19) and No. 6 in rushing touchdowns (28). His 47 total TDs rank third all-time in Atlantic Coast Conference history.
-Samuels' versatility was on display in 2017. He tied Torry Holt's school record with 15 receptions in the season opener, finished the season with 12 rushing touchdowns, the seventh-best total in N.C. State history, and amassed 1,214 all-purpose yards.
-Samuels, 6-foot, 225 pounds, had more receptions than any tight end in the nation in 2015 with 65.
-Samuels was named MVP of the Independence Bowl in 2016 after a three-touchdown performance.
-Samuels was the only player who finished the 2017 season with at least15 rushing and 15 receiving TDs for his career and the first since 2004.
-Steelers running backs coach James Saxon said the intent initially will be "finding different ways to get him the ball."
-Saxon sees Samuels as a fit for the way offense is evolving in the NFL. "He'll be able to play on third down," Saxon said. "He'll be able to catch the ball and create some matchup problems for linebackers. In this game today, third downs, a lot of teams are using a sixth DB to come in the box and cover an athlete, and that's what he is."
