The Pittsburgh Steelers had several unanswered questions when they entered training camp a few weeks ago. One of the pressing questions on offense was who was going to be Najee Harris' backup during the upcoming season. The Steelers had veteran incumbents Anthony McFarland and Benny Snell and handed a record contract to an undrafted free agent running back from Duke, Mataeo Durant. They also signed an undrafted free agent who was franchise legend Willie Parker’s cousin, Jaylen Warren.
Credit: Abigal Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Media and fans speculated on the free agent running backs the black and gold could bring in for depth. The cases were made for McFarland finally breaking out and Durant’s dazzling measurables translating to the NFL. Warren received few mentions despite quietly rushing for over 1,200 yards in his only collegiate season as a starter. He was under the radar heading into practice on August 1st. Pittsburgh matched up in the 'backs on backers' drill on the first day in pads to see who was ready to be physical and compete.
Josh Rowntree who covered the Steelers training camp action for 93.7 The Fan and KDKA was immediately impressed by the rookie and his performance. The rookie was thrown in against one of the most physical Steelers, Robert Spillane. Rowntree named him as someone to watch during the remainder of camp after watching the pair face off.
Rookie RB Jaylen Warren’s doing well in pass blocking.
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) August 1, 2022
Tomlin put him vs Spillane and told him it’s “varsity reps.” Warren won, twice. #Steelers @937theFan
Training camps always feature surprise players, and the key is usually an early drill or standout scrimmage performance. It leads to opportunities and at every turn Warren took advantage of what was presented to him. Steeler Nation’s own C.J. Lester reported on August 11th that Warren was identified by Steeler.com’s editor Bob Labriola as a dark horse candidate to make the final roster.
“To pick one, and remember, this pick is being made before a single snap of the preseason, I would go with Jaylen Warren. The rookie running back from Oklahoma State,” Labriola postulated. “The Steelers are looking for backups to Najee Harris, and Warren has been consistent in all phases of playing the position.”
Credit: Abigal Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Warren was busy impressing the Pittsburgh coaching staff during Harris’s extended absence during practice after the lead back was held out after an injury. He also made a wise choice to have Mike Tomlin's anointed new leader of the offense mentor him. Harris was impressed by the rookie’s dedication to the craft and took the time to show him how proper film study can further improve his game.
“There is a lot of stuff you can correct in the film room. Just looking at other teams, seeing what other guys do,” Harris said. “I’ve been try to tell him (Warren), this is some of the stuff you gotta look for so you can play faster.”
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug.13, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy impressed in preseason action. He played in all three preseason games and at the end of the preseason, he had rushed the ball 16 times for 48 yards and more importantly caught 7 passes for 54 yards and hauled in the first professional touchdown from Kenny Pickett against the Seattle Seahawks. He was the most consistently effective Steelers back during the preseason and unlike other running backs on the roster, he was a complete back and a true dual threat.
It wasn’t a complete fairy tale during the preseason for the undrafted rookie. He fumbled against the Seahawks and spent the entire next week of camp caring for his newborn baby. Jim Wexell, the author of Polamalu, spent some time with Warren after the Seattle game and noticed the rookie’s new child.
Jaylen Warren, interviewing and taking care of his baby pic.twitter.com/5TmA9T7pNr
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) August 16, 2022
The 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers' second-string running back overcame adversity and the mildly embarrassing punishment and displayed humility and a positive mental attitude. Warren held onto the football for the rest of the preseason and his final roster spot once the dust settled on Tuesday afternoon. Warren has earned his position and displayed impressive skills that should help keep defenses honest when the Steelers' workhorse Harris heads to the sidelines to rest this season. At 5-foot 8-inches tall and 215 pounds, Warren has been called ‘a bowling ball with legs’. As the second running back this season, he will have a significant opportunity to pick up a few strikes and spares for the Pittsburgh offense.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Will the rookie establish himself as a genuine threat when he spells Najee Harris? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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