Steelers UDFA Hoping to Revive Forgotten Fullback Role
PITTSBURGH — Early signs suggest that Pittsburgh Steelers undrafted free agent fullback DJ Thomas-Jones is settling in well with the black and gold. Yes, you read that correctly. He’s listed on the team’s roster as a fullback, a position many fans forget even exists in today’s NFL.
Thomas-Jones, a true Swiss Army knife, was listed as a tight end in college but played a wide range of roles for the South Alabama Jaguars. He brings a diverse and versatile skill set that could fit perfectly in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system, which emphasizes heavy personnel groupings and makes regular use of fullbacks and tight ends.
Currently, Thomas-Jones is the only fullback on the Steelers’ roster, a position that many teams have abandoned altogether. Last season, tight end Connor Heyward assumed that role at times, lining up in the backfield for 82 snaps. However, with Smith’s focus on power football, there appears to be a legitimate opportunity for a true fullback to make the roster.
Following the first practice of rookie minicamp on Saturday, Thomas-Jones spoke about how encouraged he felt after his initial meeting with the Steelers’ offensive coordinator.
“I talked to Coach Smith — Arthur. He really had a plan for me,” Thomas-Jones said.
When you look at Thomas-Jones as a prospect, several things stand out. At 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds, he has impressive size, but moves with surprising agility and fluidity. During his time at South Alabama, he lined up in the backfield, in the slot, in-line, and even split out wide. That versatility is exactly what teams look for in today’s hybrid offensive weapons.
He also plays with a level of physicality that jumps off the film. Among his South Alabama teammates, he earned the unofficial title of “First-Team All-Violence” thanks to his aggressive, punishing blocking style and willingness to finish through the whistle. Whether it was clearing a path for his running backs or sealing the edge on outside zone, Thomas-Jones made his presence felt.
“I felt like nobody played with as much passion and violence as I did,” he said.
While there’s no guarantee he’ll the Steelers’ final 53-man roster, Thomas-Jones is already generating early buzz as a player to watch. Special teams will likely be important to his chances, as is the case for most undrafted players. However, given his size, versatility, and fit within Arthur Smith’s offense, he could carve out a meaningful role.
In a league that often overlooks fullbacks, Thomas-Jones is making a strong case to bring the position back into the spotlight—at least in Pittsburgh.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.