Steelers News: Jaylen Samuels is ready to take the next step in his progression

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season is over, but if you think the news surrounding the black-and-gold is over — think again. For the drama-filled Steelers, things are just heating up, and this is where the daily links article comes in. You might have missed some key news, and we fill you in and give you the latest, and sometimes greatest, news surrounding the Steelers.

Today in the Black-and-gold links article we take a look at how second year running back is ready to take the next step in his NFL progression in 2019.

Let’s get to the news:

• The Steelers are a fortunate team, when it comes to the running back position. They lose an All-Pro player like Le’Veon Bell, and have James Conner waiting in the wings. On top of that, the H-Back they drafted out of NC State, Jaylen Samuels, turns out to be pretty solid himself.

Samuels: ‘That is what I wanted’

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

He knew there would be changes, coming from N.C. State where he was used as a little bit of everything – receiver, tight end, receiver, fullback and even a little running back – to the Steelers where he would primarily be a running back as James Conner’s backup, where his skills would be used differently.

It was a change, but a change he welcomed with open arms.

“That is what I wanted,” said Samuels. “I knew coming into the league I was going to play running back. I didn’t play running back in college, but I knew coming into the league that was going to be my position in the NFL.

“I knew what came with the job, what I had to do with pass protection, the physical side of it. I was watching different stuff on film. I started looking at what type of coverages they run, the pressures they bring, stuff like that, what type of front they are in. Adjusting to that was a key. Changing my game from a receiver to a running back, that was the biggest transition I did. I feel like I did pretty well with it. I knew what came with it, I was ready for the task.”

To read the full article, click HERE

• Everyone wants the Steelers to trade up in the upcoming NFL Draft, but that is easier said than done.

Colbert on free agency, trading up in a draft, Ben

By: Bob Labriola, Steelers.com

“Trading up or trading back, that is always going to be a possibility. We won’t know that until probably draft day, but you always have those different scenarios. Understanding when you have 10 you have more ammunition to either take 10 players or use ammunition to trade up.”

Trading up in the first round is an extremely popular strategy among Steelers fans, and Colbert said it’s something that usually doesn’t come together until the moment is upon you, and it’s also not something that’s done carelessly with regard to the cost of the trade. Oh, and the Steelers don’t adhere to any universal draft pick value chart when negotiating trades with other teams.

“Everybody uses their own (formula), and we understand that,” said Colbert. “When we are making a trade with a team, they may tell us it doesn’t match the value and that is their decision, but if you go back to when we traded up for Troy [Polamalu], I think we went from No. 27 to No. 16 and I think we gave up a third and a sixth. When we traded up for Santonio Holmes, I think we went from No. 32 to No. 25, I can’t even remember, and we gave up a third and a fourth and people say we gave up too much. My immediate response would be, well he did catch the touchdown pass to win a Super Bowl.

“I think in any year that value is what you decide it to be. Someone may say we need this, or it doesn’t match our chart, and so we may say we want to exceed those charts. We don’t know until we get moving on it.”

To read the full article, click HERE

• Joe Haden, and the rest of the Steelers defense, says they are excited to play Odell Beckham Jr. twice a year. Yes, they really said that.

Joe Haden “can’t wait” to face Odell Beckham

By: Josh Alper, ProFootballTalk

Haden told TMZ.com that he’s happy for the city and that the fans deserve good things after suffering through many lean years. A big reason for the optimism about the Browns is the arrival of wide receiver Odell Beckham, who Haden says will bring “flash and flair” to the team.

Haden also said he’s looking forward to his chance to keep Beckham from making big plays when the Browns and Steelers face off later this year.

“I can’t wait,” Haden said. “You gotta go against the best to be the best.”

To read the full article, click HERE

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