Steelers Dynamic RB2 Jaylen Warren Touted As Team's Most Underrated Player By PFF

Just a year ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers were worried about the depth at running back behind Najee Harris. After he touched the ball 381 times in his rookie campaign in 2021, they needed a solid No. 2. While Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. were still on the roster, neither of them had shown enough in their careers at that point to assume a confident backup role. However, the Steelers did sign Duke running back Mataeo Durant to the franchise's biggest-ever UDFA contract for a running back.

Durant didn't end up making the 53-man roster, but rather, a different undrafted free agent running back did. That would be Jaylen Warren, a 5'8" RB who played college at Oklahoma State and Utah State. Right away, he was impressing at training camp in Latrobe. Still, many didn't know if he would make the initial opening day roster. Once he did, it was clear that he was the primary backup. William Moy of Pro Football Focus touted the RB as the Steelers' most underrated player.

"Warren was one of the most efficient pass catchers out of the backfield in 2022. The undrafted rookie out of Oklahoma State was one of 45 RB's last season to see at least 30 targets in the passing game and among that group, he ranked fourth with a 79.8 receiving grade. Additionally, he ranked second by converting 43.8 percent of his catchable targets into either a first down or touchdown."

While he's played just one season in the NFL, he's certainly made his impact felt. Now, others around the league are beginning to recognize how good Warren is. In fact, several thought Warren at one point should've overtaken Harris for the starting role in 2022. Harris was dealing with an ongoing foot injury that was clearly hindering his explosiveness. That led to a lack of results in the first few months before the Alabama product ended the season on a positive note.

Warren earned a 73.8 grade from PFF in 2022, which ranked 26th out of 80 qualifying NFL RB's. He slotted in just one spot before his counterpart, Harris. In 16 games, Warren had 77 carries for 379 yards, an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. He brought a different dynamic to the Pittsburgh backfield, bringing some assertiveness. Perhaps more impressively, Warren showed an ability to catch and block effectively out of the backfield.

Where will the Steelers rank in rushing in 2023?

PFF recognizes this too, as his 79.8 receiving grade was third amongst RB's, slotting just behind Christian McCaffrey and Antonio Gibson. Warren racked up 28 catches on 214 yards, becoming a legit weapon on the ground and through the air. He still has some work to do, and he likely isn't a starting-level running back (yet), but the Steelers now have a formidable 1-2 punch.

If Harris does go down with an injury at some point, they can feel confident in Warren's abilities to step up. With the team's emphasis on improving the offensive line this offseason, it should only help these two running backs. There should be more running lanes open, specifically with two newcomers in Isaac Seumalo and Broderick Jones (likely starter) on the left side. 

Do you agree that Warren is the Steelers' most underrated player? If not him, who would you tout? What are your expectations for Harris and Warren in the 2023 season? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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