Anthony McFarland Jr. - Fantasy Points Outlook

What You Need to Know:

• McFarland has logged just 36 carries and 10 targets through 2 seasons. That included only 3 rushes and 1 target last year.
• His 2nd season was probably doomed when McFarland tore an MCL in practice leading up to Week 1. He only wound up appearing in 2 games and playing 19 total snaps – plus 8 on special teams.
• McFarland played 0 special teams snaps as a rookie, an aspect that could hurt his chances of sticking on the roster going forward.
• HC Mike Tomlin referred to McFarland and Benny Snell as “both capable young guys” in March. He did appear to take a jab at McFarland for being less “available,” though. That might indicate the coach believes his young back could have played through more over the past 2 seasons.
• McFarland also dealt with a high-ankle sprain in his final college season (2019).
• The Steelers drafted him in Round 4, after McFarland ran a 4.44-second 40 at the Scouting Combine and averaged 6.7 yards per rush across 2 college seasons.
• He has averaged just 3.2 yards per carry in the NFL so far.

Draft Sharks Bottom Line:

McFarland has given us little to believe in as a pro so far and is likely not a lock to make the 2022 roster. He’s worth discussing here, though, because of how shallow Pittsburgh’s backfield stands behind Najee Harris. If the Steelers don’t add to the RB group this summer, then McFarland will carry some handcuff upside.