ESPN says Steelers have top backup player in the NFL

When it comes to an NFL roster, the starters will get the headlines but it is the teams that can count on their depth that can compete late in the season. ESPN named the best backup on offense and one defense for all 32 NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers. For Pittsburgh, they went with running back Rico Dowdle and edge defender Nick Herbig.

ESPN went so far with Herbig to say that if all these backups they chose were put into a fantasy draft, he would be the No. 1 overall pick. Herbig signed a $100-million contract extension this offseason making him the highest-paid backup in the NFL. We expect to see new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham find a way to get Herbig on the field in a multitude of roles and have him on the field with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith as much as possible.

As for Dowdle, we've contended since the Steelers signed him that he would end up the starting running back ahead of Jaylen Warren at some point. Dowdle is every bit the talent Warren is and his level of familiarity with head coach Mike McCarthy's offense is going to give him a natural advantage.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: ESPN says Steelers have top backup player in the NFL