The Pittsburgh Steelers have always prided themselves on their rich history of running backs. From Franco Harris to Jerome Bettis, Le’Veon Bell, and more recently Najee Harris, the franchise has relied heavily on strong runners to bolster its offensive game. But in 2024, a new name is gaining serious traction—Jaylen Warren. The undrafted free agent is making waves, leaving many to wonder if a starting RB1 role is in his near future. Let’s dive into Jaylen Warren’s rise, his potential to take on the RB1 role, and what this could mean for the Steelers’ future.

Jaylen Warren’s Journey

Jaylen Warren’s road to the NFL wasn’t one paved with high draft selections or college hype. He entered the NFL in 2022 as an undrafted rookie, a status that often comes with long odds of making the final roster, let alone becoming a key contributor. However, his journey to the Pittsburgh Steelers is a testament to his perseverance and raw talent.

Warren began his college football career at Snow College, where he stood out as a powerful runner. From there, he transferred to Utah State, where his versatility and explosiveness became more apparent. Though he went undrafted in 2022, the Steelers saw something in him that others missed and signed him to a deal. Warren quickly made an impression in training camp, showcasing his ability to run with strength and catch out of the backfield, earning him a spot on the 53-man roster.

2023 Season Breakout

While Warren didn’t enter the 2023 season as a starter, it was clear he had an impact on the Steelers’ offense. As Najee Harris, Pittsburgh’s main RB, struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, Warren seized his opportunities. His running style—marked by quick acceleration, excellent vision, and an ability to break tackles—provided a much-needed spark to the Steelers’ ground game.

One of the standout aspects of Warren’s game in 2023 was his efficiency. According to advanced metrics, Warren led the Steelers in yards per carry, and his yards after contact were among the best in the league. While Najee Harris was often tasked with wearing down defenses, Warren’s explosiveness provided a change of pace, helping keep defenses on their toes. Warren also emerged as a reliable pass-catcher, which added an extra dimension to Pittsburgh’s offense.

As the 2023 season progressed, many started to wonder: Could Jaylen Warren eventually unseat Harris as the Steelers’ lead back?

Why Warren Could Become RB1

1. Efficiency and Versatility

Warren’s playing style fits well in the modern NFL, where efficiency and versatility are highly valued in running backs. In contrast to traditional workhorse backs, teams increasingly favor players who can contribute both in the run and pass games. Warren’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds a significant edge over Harris, who, while a powerful runner, has struggled at times in the passing game.

Warren’s yards per carry and his ability to find gaps in defenses make him an attractive option for the Steelers. In 2023, Warren averaged over five yards per carry, while Harris hovered closer to the four-yard mark. While this may not seem like a huge difference, those extra yards make all the difference in key situations.

2. Durability and Injury Concerns for Harris

Najee Harris, since entering the league in 2021, has been a workhorse for the Steelers. However, his heavy usage has also led to injuries. He played through a Lisfranc injury in 2022 and dealt with various ailments throughout the 2023 season. As injuries pile up, it raises the question of how long Harris can sustain the physical toll of being a bell-cow running back.

Warren, in contrast, has shown remarkable durability and burst every time he gets on the field. His fresher legs and less wear-and-tear compared to Harris could make him a more sustainable long-term option for the Steelers.

3. The Offensive Shift in the NFL

The NFL is shifting away from the days when teams relied on a single running back to carry the load. Committees have become more popular as teams try to keep their running backs fresh throughout the season. For the Steelers, this could mean a more balanced approach, with Warren and Harris sharing duties. But given Warren’s efficiency, it’s not a stretch to imagine him taking the lion’s share of the carries, especially in high-leverage situations.

Additionally, offensive schemes across the league are evolving. As teams pass more, running backs who can block and catch passes are becoming essential. Warren’s proficiency in these areas makes him an ideal candidate to thrive in Pittsburgh’s offense as they look to keep up with modern NFL trends.

Challenges to Overcome

While Jaylen Warren’s rise is undeniable, there are still some hurdles he must clear before fully claiming the RB1 role. For one, Najee Harris remains a central figure in the Steelers’ plans, both on and off the field. Harris, a former first-round pick, has the trust of the coaching staff and has been productive when healthy.

Moreover, pass protection is an area where Warren needs to show improvement. The Steelers are unlikely to give him more snaps if he can’t protect quarterback Kenny Pickett in critical passing situations. Pass-blocking remains a crucial aspect for any running back hoping to stay on the field in today’s NFL.

Lastly, the Steelers’ offensive line is still in flux. A struggling line could limit Warren’s effectiveness, even with his talent. The success of any running back depends largely on the ability of the offensive line to create holes and sustain blocks.

Looking Ahead

With the 2024 NFL season on the horizon, Jaylen Warren’s stock is undoubtedly rising. His dynamic play in 2023 has positioned him as a legitimate contender for the RB1 role in Pittsburgh. While there are challenges, Warren’s combination of efficiency, versatility, and durability gives him a real shot at taking over as the lead back.

For the Steelers, having two capable running backs like Harris and Warren is a luxury. But as the team looks to get back to playoff contention, it will be crucial to ride the hot hand. If Warren continues his upward trajectory, don’t be surprised to see him become the featured back in Pittsburgh’s offense.

Ultimately, the future of Pittsburgh’s backfield will depend on performance, health, and the offensive scheme. But one thing is clear—Jaylen Warren is on the rise, and an RB1 role could very well be in his future. The next few seasons will be crucial in determining whether this undrafted underdog can cement his place among the NFL’s elite.