Could Jaylen Warren Play a Bigger Role for the Steelers In 2023?
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As a first round talent in 2021, a lot was asked out of Najee Harris. While Harris rushed for 1,200 yards during the ‘21 season, he received 84% of the offensive snaps, which is a very high percentage, especially for a rookie. Add to the fact that Harris played behind a historically bad offensive line.
Last offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers were given criticism by both fans and most members of the Pittsburgh sports media, for not addressing a veteran backup running back to compliment Harris.
Pittsburgh added to the RB depth, in the form of Jaylen Warren. Despite a terrific, senior season at Oklahoma State, where he compiled 1,216 rushing yards, along with 11 touchdowns, Warren was not drafted, and signed with the Steelers, as an undrafted free agent.
After a very impressive training camp and preseason, Warren was able to make the Steelers’ 53-man roster.
In the early portion of the 2022 season, Harris was recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury. This allowed Warren an opportunity to get slowly acclimated to the Steelers’ offense.
While Warren saw 35% of the offensive snaps, as a rookie, he made the most of it - rushing for 379 yards on 77 carries - averaging almost five yards per carry (4.9).
The insertion of Warren to the offense took some of the load off Harris, with Harris receiving 66% of the snaps - an 18% decrease from the year prior.
Warren made the most impactful play for Pittsburgh on Saturday, as great blocking from guards Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels resulted in Warren taking a 62-yard run to the house against the Buffalo Bills.
There has recently been a debate among Steelers’ fans on if Warren should be more of the starter this season over Harris.
Even with the injury a year ago, Harris performed well in the second half of the season, so he’s earned the right to still be the featured back. However, I would anticipate Warren to play a more significant role in year two. It wouldn’t shock me to see a scenario where Warren gets around 40% of the offensive looks.
Given that the Steelers improved their O-line over the offseason, 2023 could potentially be an even better year, for Warren, as he looks to emerge as one of the better RB2s in the league.