Jaylen Warren Continues The Steelers Outstanding History Of Undrafted Free Agents

The Pittsburgh Steelers found a real winner this season in Oklahoma State’s Jaylen Warren. The odds were stacked against Warren as all 32 teams passed on him throughout seven rounds of the 2022 NFL draft. After a hard-fought preseason, Warren ultimately landed on the Steelers' 52-man roster and surpassed running backs Anthony Mcfarland and Benny Snell on the depth chart. 

Throughout the season, Warren proved to be an effective RB2 averaging 4.9 yards on 77 carries for 379 yards. In the early months of the season, fans pleaded for Warren to take on more carries and at times even rooted for him to earn the starting running back position.  

This is quite the honor for an undrafted rookie up against a first-round draft pick and 2021 alternate pro bowler, Najee Harris. What you might not yet though is that this isn’t an isolated incident. In fact, the Steelers have a rich history of success with undrafted players.

A Steelers Trip Down Memory Lane

The first player that may come to your mind is Steelers legend, James Harrison. Harrison was signed by the Steelers in 2002 as an undrafted free agent. Unlike Warren, the linebacker out of Kent State got off to a rocky start in his career as he was cut four times, three of which by the Steelers.  

It wasn’t until Mike Tomlin began his tenure in 2007 that Harrison obtained the starting role. Harrison went on to become a five-time pro bowler, two-time Super Bowl Champion and the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year. The only accolade left for Harrison to collect awaits him in Canton.

Let’s pivot to ESPN analyst, The Pivot Podcast owner and beloved former free safety of the black and gold, Ryan Clark. Before becoming one of ESPN’s top NFL commentators, Clark was a shut-down safety for the Steelers from 2006 through 2013 and a member of the infamous Steelers defense that led us to two Super Bowl victories. Clark finished his career with 644 solo tackles, 16 interceptions, five forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. 

Next on the list of some of the Steelers' greatest undrafted successes is strong safety and four-time Super Bowl champion, Donnie Shell. Shell sits atop the record books for NFL strong safeties with 51 career interceptions. Shell’s knack for intercepting passes, tackling and forcing fumbles earned him a spot in Canton at the Hall of Fame.

The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning standout guard Ramon Foster. Ramon Foster was a consistent force on the offensive line from 2010 through 2019. Foster started 145 games over 11 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Last but not least, is running back Willie Parker. Parker signed as an undrafted free agent in 2004 and went on to earn Pro Bowl honors, became a two-time Super Bowl Champion and set the record for the longest run in Super Bowl history.

The Steelers aren't afraid to take a risk on an undrafted player, and over the years it has certainly paid off. Who is the most valuable undrafted Steeler of all time to you? Sound off in the comments below.

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